James "Jim" Ickes

passed away Saturday July 6th surrounded by his family in a beautiful hospice setting in Akron.  Jim was born Aug 18, 1951, to James (Mac) and Eleanor (LeCrone) Ickes.  He is survived by his wife Joan (Ayers) Ickes whom he married on March 21, 1997.  Also survived by 2 daughters Carri (Phil) Williams of Paris, Katie Thomas of Canton and son John (Jessica) Gasparik of Minerva, sister Sherri Ickes of Canton and 9 grandchildren Reiley, Olivia, Reece, Logan, Dylann, Averie, Addy, Aiden and LJ.

Jim was a 1969 graduate of Glenwood HS and attended Kent State Stark University. He had an impressive career in the steel industry, retiring from ATI.  He was a member of the Hall of Fame Luncheon Club and volunteered for the food bank in Minerva. Jim was a man who never met a stranger.  He grew up in Altoona, PA but made his home in Paris, OH for close to 50 years. He could talk to anyone, anywhere and they were considered friends from that moment on.  He was filled with endless knowledge about any subject you could think of.  If you were playing trivia, you better be sure he was on your team! Jim was a music lover of any kind.  He sought out live music any chance he got.  He had an impressive CD collection that he was still adding to despite the introduction to the option to just download music.  He loved to garden and collect sports memorabilia of any kind. Most of all he loved his family.  He loved to travel with his wife, Joan, but was banned from planning these trips after a few mishaps. He was the Gruber of the family (Grandpa Uber) and passed out many lectures on these drives. He was consistent in his love and support and strength in our family.  His presence, witty humor and ability to find the positive in any situation will be missed every day.

Calling hours will be Thursday 5-8pm and one hour prior to services on Friday at 11:00am at Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva.  He will be laid to rest in Paris Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers Jim requested donations to be made to the Akron Canton Food Bank c/o 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307 for the Minerva Operation.  Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotchallfuneralhome.com