James J. Susong Sr.

James J. Susong Sr., 81, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ unexpectedly on February 17, 2018.  “Big Jim”, back in the day, was larger than life at 6’5”, an imposing basketball and baseball player at Norton High School.  He was an even bigger family man, leaving a tremendous imprint on the lives of his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed taking trips with his family and friends and particularly enjoyed taking his grandchildren to Disney and vacationing at Oak Island, North Carolina for more than 40 years.  Dad charmed us with his tales of his men’s mission trips to the Kiamichi Mountains.  We heard stories of tornados, rattlesnakes, and who could grow the best beard.  Those trips were the highlight of his year.  Grandpa was up for any adventure that his grandchildren took him on, including rides in convertibles, house hunting trips across the country, whirlwind tours of Florida, and countless athletic and school events. 

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Sarah, and his 3 surviving children Kim (Kevin) McHenry, James II (Tracy) Susong, and Wendi (Jim) Danko.  He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Keri (CJ) Dennison, Jennifer (Aaron) Stump, Joseph (Starla) Canning, Meredith Canning, Amanda (Carl) Kashnier, Maxwell (Shannon Casserlie) Danko, Hillary (Greg) Travis.  He had a special place in his heart for his great-grandchildren: Alexander, Christopher, Lexie, Emma, Jaden, Maddi, Chace, Thomas, Rowan, Annaliese, DeKayla, Andrew, Rory, Joshua, and Noah.  He will be fondly remembered by his siblings Patricia Peterson (Tim Conry) and Carol Teagarden and their children.  He is preceded in death by his daughter Lori, parents Joseph and Margaret Susong, and special grandparents Lodema and Walter Burger.

Most importantly, Jim was a faithful servant of the Lord, as an elder, Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, and in many other church leadership capacities.  He and Sarah are members of Southwest Church of Christ in Barberton.  He was a disciple to his children and grandchildren and grew them in their faith.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Per Jim’s wishes, cremation has already taken place.  There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate his life on Thursday, February 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. at Southwest Church of Christ, 516-33rd St. SW, Barberton. Pastor Nathan Robinson officiating.  The family will greet friends and family prior to the service from 6:00 -7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Southwest Church of Christ. To share a memory or send a condolence please visit www.silva-hostetler.com (330-825-8700)

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