James Petit

James Edward Petit Sr., 89, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, surrounded by his family. James was born on March 4th, 1935, in Doylestown, Ohio, to George and Evelyn. He married Anne McGrath on August 4th, 1962 in Akron, Ohio.

James is preceded in death by his loving wife Anne, of 57 years; his brothers Jerry Petit, John Petit, and Tony Petit; his sisters Agnes (David) Monbarren, Mary Williams, and Rita Pierce; his sister-in-law Georgie Petit and his brother-in-law David Monbarren.

He is survived by his five children and seventeen grandchildren; James (Mary) Petit Jr., Emma Petit, Ryan Petit, Kara Petit, Nolan Petit; Dan Petit, Katie Petit, John Petit; Amy (Chris) Sivak, Anna (Phillip) Baltazaar, Chris Sivak, Sarah Sivak, Patrick Sivak; Brian (Christie) Petit, Will Petit, Abby Petit, Ella Petit; and Trisha (Brian) Hoffmann, Hannah Hoffmann, Matt Hoffmann, Joe Hoffmann, and Mary Hoffmann; his sister Celena (John) Provenzale and brothers Peter Petit and Charles (Genevieve) Petit; his in-laws, Regina Petit, Nancy Petit, Alice Petit, Dave (Peg) Pierce, and Steve (TC McGill) Williams; and many loving nieces and nephews.

James grew up in Doylestown, Ohio as the second-oldest sibling in a family of ten. When their mother, Evelyn, passed away, he and his brother Jerry attended the Saint Aloysius Military Academy. In 1945, George married Mary-Jane Weber. She was a teacher and a wonderful mother and Grandmother to the Petit family.

James attended Doylestown High School and was proud of his accomplishments as the quarterback of his football team. He then attended John Carroll University prior to joining the Army in 1955 and was stationed in Germany for two years.

Upon return, James worked hard in his father's poultry business and told many great stories of long drives in the Petit Poultry truck across the Midwest and as far away as Iowa. This was followed by a successful career in sales at U.S. Stoneware and the Norton company.

James met his soulmate, Anne, on the ski slopes. James saw Anne struggling with the tow rope and offered his hand. Anne took his hand in hers, and with a firm grip, they ascended to the top of the hill. It was love at first sight, and from that moment on, they continued to ascend to new heights in their shared life. In their faith and love, they grew together.

After Anne passed away in 2020, James was soon embraced by "The Peeps" Panera coffee group. They attended mass daily and would meet up afterward for coffee to sit and chat. This was a very fortunate chapter in Jim's life, and he formed some wonderful friendships with this group.

James will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, big, tight hugs, love for dogs, and peanut butter on raisin toast. He accepted all people for who they were without judgment. He loved to travel, always had a camera in his hand, and would say, "Every moment is a picture" - a phrase that represented his appreciation for life and always being present. His smile beamed, and his hugs were all-encompassing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Hilary Church, 2750 W. Market St, Fairlawn, 44333. Visitation will begin at 12 noon. A private family interment will take place at a later time at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Doylestown, Ohio, or The Saint Hilary Parish Foundation.