James D'Eramo

AUSTINTOWN-Funeral services will be held Monday, at 10 a.m. at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for Mr. James L. D'Eramo, 78, affectionately known as "Jim" who died early Thursday morning at Omni Manor Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. D'Eramo was born on Sept. 21, 1937, in Youngstown, a son of the late Paul and Mary (Cellio) D'Eramo, and was a lifelong resident of the area.
Jim was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School in 1955. After graduation, he was awarded an academic scholarship to Colgate University in New York, and received his BA in English.

Jim was a lifelong student, receiving his Masters of Education from Kent State University. He later studied at YSU, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Akron.
He began his career at Austintown Fitch High School, serving as an English teacher, English Dept. Chair, and President of Austintown Education Association. He was also the head football and head track coach. Jim also served as the Director of OHSAA.

Jim later worked for Adrian College in Michigan as the assistant football coach. He then taught mentally disabled children at Lenawee Institute, and was the director of the Michigan Special Olympics.

Before returning to Austintown Local Schools in 1984, Jim worked as the Middle School Principal for North Canton City Schools, as Assistant Superintendent for Girard City Schools, and Superintendent for Hubbard Exempted Village Schools. He later served as assistant superintendent for Austintown Local Schools from 1984-1991. In 1991, he became the Superintendent.

While serving as Superintendent, Jim was an avid supporter of the Fitch Band, Choir, Drama and Speech Programs, and lastly, Fitch High School Athletics. In 1993, he was named PTA "Educator of the Year".

Jim participated in many clubs including Kiwanis, Austintown Historical Society, PTA and State PTA Board of Directors. Jim was also an honoree for the Austintown Growth Foundation.

After retirement in 1993, Jim was the Interim Superintendent of both Weathersfield, and Lordstown Schools, and was the Grand Marshal of the 4th of July Parade in 1994.
In 2009, Jim was inducted into the Austintown Fitch High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Rose Marie (Drake), whom he married on April 5, 1971, his sister Marilyn D'Eramo, of Austintown, his brother and sister-in-laws, Jerry and Diane Armbrecht, of Boardman, nephew Paul A D'Eramo of Alliance, and nieces, Diana Madison, Daria D'Eramo, both of Alliance, and Judy Kastner, of Alpharetta, GA.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Helen, a sister, Vincentine D'Eramo, and two brothers, Vincent and Paul J. D'Eramo.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, from 12 until 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE JAMES L. D'ERAMO SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.