James Anthony Crea

Loving son of the late Nunzio and Josephine (nee La Fatch) Crea and brother of Joseph Crea (deceased) (Gretchen) and Anthony "Tony" Crea (Mary), and brother in law of Bradley Thomas (Dorothy) and Linda Helman (deceased)(John).

Dear uncle of Dominic Crea (Katie), Stephen Crea, Spencer Crea (Ariel), Bradley Thomas and David Thomas. Great uncle, cousin and friend of many.

James A. Crea went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 27, 2026, with his family by his side. Jim was born in Cleveland in 1952, the second of Nunzio and Josephine Crea’s three sons with older brother, Joe, and younger brother, Anthony. He married the love of his life, Joan, in 1974. He was greatly loved by all who knew him and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Jim was a Certified Executive Chef who worked in the food industry for more than 60 years, starting when he was a young teenager. Most notably he worked at upscale hotels, restaurants and resorts in Cleveland, San Francisco, Houston, and Southbury CT. He worked for 25 years as a corporate chef for a large healthcare organization with many facilities in Hattiesburg, MS. Most recently, Jim retired from his position as head of research and development for Buehler’s Fresh Foods. He had a diligent work ethic and touched the lives of hundreds of people who worked with him or worshiped with him.

An avid runner, Jim competed in many races, including several10k Crescent City Classics in New Orleans. He loved to work around the house and garden and had a successful business creating beautiful ice sculptures.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to Lifecare Hospice, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.

A Funeral Service Celebrating his life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Woodvale Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday April 30, 2026 from 4 - 8 PM and Friday 9 - 10 AM at THE A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71)