James F. Tomazic, 80, U.S. Marine Corps. Veteran

Jim was born in Lorain on July 30, 1943. He attended primary school at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church School. He went on to graduate from Lorain High School with the 1961-B class and earned admittance into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame (2013) as a lineman with the 1959 Lorain High Football Team.

Jim volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corps where he worked as a Radar Technician with duty in the Pacific and Caribbean. He attained the rank of corporal (E4), earned a First Award Sharpshooter’s Badge, and received the Good Conduct Medal. After his discharge in 1964, Jim enrolled at Ohio University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering (1972).

Jim explored a number of career and business opportunities settled into work as a union electrician. He worked for several local electric supply and repair companies as well as several local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union. He was a long-time member of the IBEW before retiring in 2008. Jim enjoyed reading, researching current affairs, exercise, and travel. After his retirement, he hiked sections of the Appalachian Trail, cycled, walked, and traveled the United States and Europe.

Jim was a devoted father who stayed active and engaged in the lives of his two children. He coached their little league teams and participated in school groups and PTAs, including the West Point Parents’ Club. He regularly visited his children when they lived in different states and countries as adults.

Jim is survived by his children Dr. Jessica C. Tomazic, M.D. (Brian M. Wahl) of Carlisle Township and Christopher J. Tomazic (Dr. Susan M. Lyons) of Cincinnati. He also leaves grandchildren (Christopher) Adella R. and Raven J.; sisters Dolores Kovach (Joseph) of Wakeman and Marian Montalto of Fort Worth, TX; friend and former wife Kathleen A. Carrero and her daughter Rosalie A. Carrero, both of Lorain; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Jennie T. Tomazic (nee Trenta), father Rudolph A. Tomazic, step-mother Sue D. Tomazic (nee Reber), and step-brother Jack Urbanic of Isle of Palms, SC.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel (3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain). Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 27th at 9:30 a.m. with closing prayers offered in the funeral chapel. A Christian Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church (corner of West 8th Street & Reid Avenue) with Reverend Daniel O. Divis presiding. Burial with military honors will take place on December 28th at 10:45 a.m. in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Jim’s memory to the Lorain County Metro Parks and the Lorain Public Library. A memorial bench will be established for Jim at Lakeside Landing in Lorain, Ohio.

To share your condolences with the Tomazic family, please visit Jim’s tribute page at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.