James Louis LaVoy

Jim was born in Toledo, OH on June 15, 1922, the oldest son, and third oldest of 9 children born to Isadore and Matilda LaVoy. He grew up on their farm in Erie, MI, and was taught the value of hard work during the Depression but still found time for lots of antics and adventures with his many siblings. Having grown up near Lake Erie, he excelled at ice skating and was even recruited to become professional, but Uncle Sam had other ideas.

Jim was drafted into the Army toward the end of WWII and served as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theater. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Eleanor (Nachtrab) LaVoy, and they were blessed with 5 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren through 69 years of marriage. He also served as a member of the Knights of Columbus for 85 years, joining at age 18.

Jim was a wonderful dancer which delighted Eleanor and his daughters at weddings. He also enjoyed working outdoors, helped by his best friend, and kept a well-stocked bird feeder which brought him immense joy as he grew older. Always enthusiastic to try new things, Jim took up downhill skiing in his fifties, enjoying many trips to Colorado to ski with his brother, Dick, which continued until he was 87. Those ski trips spawned many years of writing creative routines and stories, interlaced with jokes and funny poems to entertain friends and family. Throughout his life, his quick wit would surface with a perfectly timed joke when you least expected it.

In his later years, Jim received several honors as a long-surviving WWII veteran, and he always accepted those awards with appreciation and humility. “I wasn’t special, I was just doing my job.” In later years he joined his son, Ken, as a member of the American Legion.

Jim’s strong work ethic continued throughout his life through many careers. He was very proud that all 5 of his children were successful and well educated. That pride grew with the successes of his grandchildren and then great-grandchildren. He was happiest when surrounded by his large family.

Jim is survived by his devoted children: Eileen Burke, Joyce (Frank) Wessels, Jan Salstrom, John Salstrom, Renee (John) Daly, and Kenneth (Michele) LaVoy: his loving sister and brother: Joyce LaVoy, OP and Raymond LaVoy; his grandchildren: Angela (Sean) O’Neil, Frank (Erin) Wessels, Seoka Salstrom, Mathew (Caroline) Salstrom, John M. Daly, and Claire Daly; and his dear great- grandchildren: Owen O’Neil, Emma O’Neil, and Frank J. Wessels.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor LaVoy, his parents and by his sisters: Margaret Vogan, Ruth Meyers, Marie Kent, Dolores LaVoy, OP, Lois LaVoy; his brother, Richard LaVoy; his son-in-law, Jerome Burke, and his infant grandson, James Burke.

Visitation will be at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 1440 Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at 10:30 am. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend at: https://saintlukeparish.org (Use the “f” or “arrow” icon in the upper right corner of the church home page.)

Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery & Mausoleum, 118 Woodland Ave., Dayton, OH

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at the Victory Ridge Hospice at The Dayton VA Medical Center for their compassion, support and exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

Dayton VA Medical Center (Note the purpose of the donation is “Hospice.”)

CDCE (135)

4100 W. Third St.

Dayton, OH 45428 https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/

Or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org