James Joseph Kessler, Sr. (Jimmy K.), 59, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Hospice House in Cleveland from Leukemia.
He was born September 10, 1962, in Painesville, Ohio, the son of Daniel Kessler and Donna Hayward. Jim graduated from Madison High School and worked for 20 years doing what he loved in the concrete business.
Jim enjoyed spending his mornings drinking coffee with his friends, Kermit and Doc. He also loved his Classic Rock music and get together with family and friends. The kids in the park where he lived will miss him as they loved to come and play with his dog, Wiley, and get their popsicle from Jim. Everyone loved Jimmy K., he was always there to help anyone in need.
He is survived by his former wife of 30 years, Joyce Rauth, who he remained friends with and who took care of him the last 2 years of his life; children, Melissa and Billy of Ashtabula, OH, Jimmy and Lisa Kessler, Jr. of Brookville, PA, and Josh and Alisha Kessler of Brookville, PA; He loved all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much and to his grandchildren Chad, Brooke, Josh Jr., Carter, and Ava he was their Pap; to Jason, Alexis, and Dustin he was their Papa; to Jesse he was his Papa Smurf; also survived by 8 great-grandchildren. His in-laws that he continued to love the like his own, Jan and John Christian and Woody and Maryann Judd; siblings, Danny (Debbie) Kessler of Madison, OH, Sue Boyce of Center Point, WV, Patty (Mike) Fults of Espyville, PA, and Keith Hockman of Geneva, OH. Also surviving Jim are many nieces and nephews and his closest friends he called brothers, Dave Judd, Billy Martin, Jeff Slaviero, and Jerry McElroy and Betsy Slaviero who was like a sister to him.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Daniel Kessler and Donna Hayward; step-dad, Lloyd Hockman; his grandparents; Aunt Helen and Uncle Jim Oris; Aunt Betty Gencil; brother-in-law, Leon Boyce.
A Celebration of Life and 60th birthday party for Jimmy K will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the VFW Post 6846 5301 New London Road, Geneva, Ohio 44041.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements.
www.LakeErieCrematory.com