JAMES E. "JIM" BARBATO, age 70 of Canton, passed away Monday, October 20, 2014 at The James Cancer Center in Columbus after a brief, hard fought struggle against cancer. Born in Canton to the late Patrick and Margaret "Nutzie" (Nichols) Barbato, he was also preceded in death by grandson, Angelo Anderson. He was a 1962 graduate of McKinley High School where he served as senior class President. Jim was the former owner of Barbato Flowers for 20 years. He drove for the Canton City School System and then SARTA from where he retired. Jim was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, St. Anthony Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, and was a McKinley Booster Club President. He was a former member of the Unique Club and the Old Gang of Mine. An avid bowler, he bowled in the Syrian-Lebanese Bowling League and once bowled a 300 game. Jim enjoyed making homemade wine, cooking, and spending time with family. Jim is survived by his wife of 20 years Deborah (Stuhldreher) Barbato, children Theresa (Jeff) Barbato-Anderson of Green, Maria Barbato of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Michael (Faith) Barbato of East Canton, grandchildren Michael Todd, Brielle, Brett, and Lilliana, sisters Margie (Bud) Moulin, Nancy Barbato, Liz (Terry) DeMuesy, Trish (Rocco) Cusano, Tina Barbato (Kevin Ward), brother Joseph (Jean) Barbato all of Canton, and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received on Friday, October 24th from 5 to 8 pm at the Rossi Family Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25 ^th at 10:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church with Rev. G. David Weikart, celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to thank The OSU James Cancer Center 7 ^th floor SICU team for their compassion, support, and encouragement during Jim's illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The OSU James Cancer Center; 300 West 10 ^th Avenue; Columbus, OH 43210.