James Gentile Sr.

James J. Gentile Sr. ” Jimmy Joe”, age 87, of Hamilton, returned to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 15, 2014. Jim was born in Hamilton on March 19, 1926, the tenth of twelve children born to Salvatore (Samuel) and Maria Angela (Mary Defazio) Gentile. He attended St. Mary School and graduated from Hamilton Catholic High School in 1944. On January 16, 1946 in Hamilton, he married Dorothy Lee Cain. This loving union was blessed with four sons, 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Left to cherish the memories of Jim are his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Gentile; sons, Jim (Jan), Mike (Marge), John (Cindy) and Kevin (Carol) Gentile; grandchildren, Jeff (fiance Kathy) Gentile, Beth Ann (Chris) Bird, Amanda Gentile, Ted (Amy) Donohoue, Heather (Brian) Schuster, Steve (Gina) Gentile, Jennifer Gentile, Christina (Gary) Jenkins, Brian Gentile, Angel Allen (Greg Maham), Tim (Michelle) Gentile, Kate Powers, Anna (Dave) Needham, Nathan (Rachel) Gentile, Ryan Gentile, Andrew Gentile, Caitlin Gentile and Rachel Gentile; great grandchildren, Jacob, Allison and Emily Rogers, Gretchen Fields, Maddie, Natalee and Nick Bird, Zachary, Catherine and Sarah Schuster, Ava and Evan Donohoue, Jacob, Tyler and Evan Gentile, Liesl and Kiera Kuschnerus, Kenneth and Justin Madden, Branden, and Marissa Allen, Alyssa, Timothy and Asia Gentile, Jarrod and Jacob Powers, Kali and Abby Needham, Meghan McQueen and Lucas Gentile; great-great grandchild, Jack Fields; many other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; by brothers, Anthony, Peter Paul, Thomas, Samuel, George, William and Carl Gentile; by sisters, Wilhelmina Wagner, Mary Kidd, Frances Reck and Roseanne Rumpler and by two great grandchildren, Austin and Brandon Rogers. Jim enjoyed many years meeting and serving people as a meat cutter at the Modern Food IGA Market, Hornung’s Meat Market and Gentile Meat Market. Many meals in Hamilton and surrounding areas began with the work performed by this humble man starting at dawn six days a week. As the son of parents who emigrated from Sersale Calabria, Italy, he was an active member and Treasurer of the Hamilton/Fairfield Italian American Society which was co-founded by his father. Jim made many friends and acquaintances over the years, including those at the Lindenwald Little League, Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 407, where he served as a Trustee and an Officer, including President. He was also involved with several charitable organizations and activities that benefited children. Following the values instilled by his parents, he led a devoutly religious life and was a member of St. Ann Church, St. Ann Holy Name Society and St. Ann PAC. Jim’s devotion to his faith was matched by his devotion to his family. He was an incredibly kind, attentive and gentle man to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showering them with love, constant smiles, humor, faith and values that will sustain us until we meet him again. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Colligan Funeral Home, 437 South 3rd Street, Hamilton. The Italian American Society will hold services at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, Clinton and Pleasant Avenues in Hamilton with Father Larry Tharp officiating. Burial will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery, Greenwood Ave., Hamilton. Memorials may be directed to St. Ann Church, 646 Clinton Ave., Hamilton, Ohio 45015 or to One Way Farm, 6131 River Road, Fairfield, Ohio 45014.