James R. Filliez

Age 88, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at St. Luke Lutheran Community in North Canton. He was born July 25, 1936 in Pekin to the late Robert and Edna (Yant) Filliez. A Minerva resident for 83 years, he graduated from Minerva High School in 1954, attended Miami University in Oxford and was a member of the US Army Reserves. He followed his father in the family business and was owner of Filliez Plumbing and Heating for many years. He is a 50 year member of Local #94, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in Canton, Past President of the Canton Chapter of the Refrigeration Service Engineer Society, and Past President of the Stark County Chapter, Air Conditioner Contractors of America. He was a lifelong learner, leader and Christian, Jim even spent several years as a vocational instructor specializing in boiler and steam heat. He was on the board of directors of Bank 2000 and an advisory director for National City Bank.

Jim is a 67 year member and twice past master of Tubal Lodge #551 F&AM in Minerva where he assisted in the formation of the DeMolay Chapter and is an Honorary Legion of Honor member. He is currently a member of Hoover Lodge #770 F&AM, and a 33rd degree and Active Emeritus member of Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Past Sovereign Prince of the Valley of Canton, Past President of the Eastern Stark Scottish Rite Club, and Valley Membership Chairman. Jim was instrumental in the formation of the Learning Center for Dyslexic Children. He is a member of the Tadmor Shrine, and the Tadmor Shrine Past Masters Unit, Canton Chapter #84, Royal Arch Masons, Canton Council #35,

Royal and Select Masons and the Canton Commandery #38, Knights Templar. He is a Past Worthy Patron of Esther Chapter #120, Order of the Eastern Star, now Carroll Chapter #315 in Carrollton and a member of the Holy Rood Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, and the Ohio College of Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.

Jim approached every aspect of his life with passion and generosity, giving wholly of himself to his family, work and Masonic organizations. He loved computers, technology and the Cleveland Indians.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Glanzman) Filliez whom he married Feb. 20, 1965, daughter, Julie (Richard) Werren of Canton, sister-in-law, Karen Filliez of MI and several nieces and nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his brother, Jon Filliez.

The family would like to thank St. Luke Lutheran Community and Harmony Hospice for their compassionate care.

A Masonic funeral service will be Friday at 7:00 pm in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva. Calling hours will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. in the funeral home. A private family graveside service will be held in East Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Almoner's Fund or the Scottish Rite Learning Center c/o AASR, Valley of Canton, 836 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.