Angelo James

Niles - Angelo James 92, of Niles passed away at his home Friday evening October 25, 2024, after a two-month fight to live from a botched gallbladder removal. His liver was cut that caused a myriad of serious medical complications. 

Angelo was born in his first home in Niles to parents Harry and Helen (Leos) James Sr. His parents were born in Greece immigrating to the United States as a young newly married couple. Like many immigrants Harry Sr.'s Greek last name which was Lakovos was converted in English to James. Angelo was a member of Saint Demetrios Orthodox Church of Warren.

Angelo was an ambitious man that worked hard. He worked multiple jobs at one time when he was young and on into his adult and married life. He attended Niles McKinley Schools but soon realized he was needed to work to help support his very large family. Angelo came from a family of ten children. He was the oldest boy and was eager and proud to do this.

Angelo was a middle weight boxer and won Golden Gloves many times until his future wife said it was time to hang the gloves up.

Angelo worked as a broker for many years at Loblaw's trucking terminal. He managed truck traffic at the docks and crews to unload goods going to their grocery stores. During this time Angelo opened a small diner named "Angelo's Restaurant" in 1967. It was located adjacent to the Pyatt Street "Fresh Air" Market. His family and employees ran the business with his guidance and oversight. He loved serving food to the hardworking class of the people in Youngstown. Angelo was first in beginning a snow plowing business and secured commercial contracts such as Youngstown City Schools and others throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

A busy Angelo made time to enjoy and do the many things he loved. He was an avid sportsman and traveled throughout the country with his buddies for wild boar, turkey and deer hunting. And then there was the fishing. Deep sea and local lake fishing he enjoyed the most. Angelo was a professional bowler and traveled the circuit for many years. Angelo's Restaurant sponsored six bowling teams and Angelo bowled in each one six days a week! He and his family enjoyed his fishing boat and RV. Camping up at Wildwood Acres every weekend with his wife and children was his fun and resting time.

Angelo married his wife Donna Webb James in May of 1955. He leaves their four daughters Denise (David) Bopp of South Carolina, Joni (George) Summers of Hubbard, Tamy McBride of Cave Creek, AZ and Michele Roman of Boardman. Grandchildren Tony (Melanie) Ambrose of Canfield, Nick Riley of Cave Creek, AZ, Ross (Krystina) McBride of Cave Creek, AZ, Christie Summers of Hubbard and Robbie Roman of Boardman. Great grandchildren Tyler, Miaya, Anthony and Logan Ambrose of Canfield, Donavon Summers of Hubbard, Jaxon Riley of Cave Creek, AZ and Robbie Roman Jr. of Boardman. He also leaves one sister Milly Hutton of Gulfport, Mississippi and many nieces and nephews.

Angelo leaves his most beloved lady and companion of decades Dolores Baran. Angelo and Dolores spent their lives together since the late seventies traveling, enjoying family and friends. They loved to go dancing, bowling and trying their pulls at the casinos. They cooked up feasts for all types of gatherings. Together they were big sports fans and especially football. They enjoyed and loved to be around people.

Angelo leaves Dolores' children and their spouses Diane Jones, Chuck Baran, Cheryl Felger, Mary Lou Allison and her late son Eddie Baran. He loved each of them. They were an integral part of his life as were her sisters, brothers, cousins and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He embraced and loved her huge family. They were fun and kept them both very active.

Angelo is preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his children Donna, their only son Michael Angelo, parents Harry Sr. and Helen, sisters and brothers Mary, JoAnn, Helen, Audrey, Ann, Pauline, Chris and Harry Jr.

Calling hours and service will be at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44515 on Sunday, November 3rd from 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. 330.792.2353. 

If you would like to make a donation in Angelo's memory, please help our local animal rescue in lieu of flowers: 

Donate – Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, Inc.