James Patrick Sulek (Jim), 67, of Painesville, Ohio, passed away on January 8, 2026, at TriPoint Hospital, following heart complications.

Jim was born on September 1, 1958, at Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio, to Joseph and Alice Sulek. He was a graduate of Maple Heights High School, Class of 1976, where he played baseball and football in both grade school and high school.

Throughout his working life, Jim held various jobs over the years, including work with TRW, Millcraft Paper, and as a truck driver. He was also a proud member of the Teamsters Union.

Jim was a devoted fan of Cleveland sports, especially the Browns and the Guardians. He was an animal lover, enjoyed all things Christmas, and cherished time spent with family. His children lovingly called him "Papa," and his grandchildren knew him as "Jaja." Jim was of the Catholic faith.

He is survived by his children, Jim Sulek, Theresa Sulek, and Joe Sulek. He was a proud grandfather to Alivia Craggs (15) and Garrett Craggs (13). Jim was also a beloved uncle to EJ Vale (Laura), Matt Vale (Joanne), Thomas Tiedt (Vicki), Justin Tiedt (Rocio), Scott Sulek, Todd Sulek (Trisha), and Christopher Jackson. He was a great-uncle to Avi, Faith, Ava, Audrey, Andrew, Hailey, Mason, Zach, and Keiler.
Jim is also survived by his siblings, Joann Vale (late husband Ernie), Jane Tiedt (late husband Tom), and Joe Sulek (Barb).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alice Sulek, and his grandparents, Theresa and Martin Sulek, and Peter and Frances Glump; and sister, Monica Sulek Jackson.

Visitation will be held on January 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 29801 Lakeland Boulevard, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. There will be no burial; Jim will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Project Hope for the Homeless, P.O. Box 2035, Painesville, Ohio 44077, or at projecthopeforthehomeless.org. The family will also be having a Mass said in Jim's name at church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 29801 Lakeland Boulevard, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. (440) 361-2273. www.LakeErieCrematory.com .