Edward Francis James

Edward Francis James, aged 88, of Worthington, Ohio, and Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025. He was born on April 23, 1937 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Margaret James. Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rose Marie James, nee Foerch.

He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Kathleen (Mark) Neiheisel, Marianne (Michael) Minichello, Michael (Megan) James, Daniel (Shanna) James, Timothy (Amy) James.

He was a devoted grandfather to his fifteen grandchildren and their spouses, and a cherished great-grandfather to fourteen great-grandchildren. Travis (Laura) Neiheisel (Carson, Johnathan, David and Ian) Cyrus (Erica) Neiheisel (Elaina, Hudson, Josephine) Quintin (Daniela) Neiheisel (Gabriela, Liam, Jack, Norah) Morgan (Andrew) McCroson (Ryder) Cameron (Regina) Neiheisel Michaela (Jared Lutes) Minichello (Lincoln, Wesley) Marissa (Steven Zbrozek) Minichello, Mariah Minichello, Mackenzie (Liam) Sullivan, Bryson James, Evan James, Payton James, Abigail James, Olivia James, Luke James.

Edward is survived by his sister, Karen (Mitch) Kassouf, close friend Jane Herwig, sisters-in-law Margaret (Joe) Rimkus and Helen (Jim) Pearson, brother-in-law Joseph (Jani) Foerch, and many nieces and nephews.

Edward graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio in 1955. He then went on to receive his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio.

Edward owned and operated Fireproof Moving and Storage and Fireproof Record Center for more than thirty years. After serving on the Board of Directors of Allied Van Lines, he was a pioneer in the record storage business.

Edward enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends at Worthington Hills Country Club and Shadow Wood Country Club. His greatest joy over the last thirty years was spending time with the extended family at the lake house on Apple Valley.

Edward raised his family in Worthington Hills before retiring. He then spent over twenty years living in Bonita Springs, Florida. Edward lived in Powell, Ohio for the past few years.

A celebration of Edward's life will be held in the summer. Obituary will be updated.

Raise a glass with your family and friends and toast a life well lived.

The Fireproof Article about Edward James in The Short North is here to read. Please copy the links below into your browser to read.

https://www.shortnorth.com/FireproofCentenary.html

https://www.shortnorth.com/Fireproof.html