James G. Vahila, 80, of Malvern, Ohio passed away May 15, 2022 after an extended illness. He was born in Canton, Ohio November 17, 1941 to the late George and Virginia Vahila. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Terry Vahila (Terrett); sons Jim (Heather) Vahila and Jason (Veronica) Vahila; daughters Jessica Vahila and Jaime (Rod) Fox; sisters Judy (Bill) Matthews and Debbie Rossetti (EJ Frericks). He will be missed by his grandchildren Chad Vahila, Delaney Vahila, Emmie Vahila, Maxwell Vahila and Natasha (Ray) Hughes; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim graduated from Perry High School in 1959 and enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Germany for two years. Returning home, he worked for Prudential Insurance before opening Vahila Brokerage Services in Canton, Ohio, which he owned and operated for 47 years.
Jim had a passion for history, especially the Civil War. He visited Gettysburg and many other historical sites on several occasions. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and oil painting. He was very proud of a Civil War mural he painted and displayed at his home. Jim loved living at Lake Mohawk, enjoyed boating and spending Sunday dinners with family.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Waynesburg. A Mass of Christian burial will begin in the church at 12 noon, with Rev. Fr. Joseph Zamary as celebrant. A private family entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/donate.
ROSSI (330)492-5830
www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com
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