Wayne Jira

RICHFIELD | BATH | FORT MYERS - Wayne Charles Jira, 81 passed away July 3, 2016 Wayne was born in Parma, Ohio, second oldest of 5 children. He graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in Cleveland in 1954. His first job was at the Cleveland Westside Market when he was 16 years old. He started off a hard worker and never quit. This same year his future wife would move in right next door to him, Doris Marie Graybill. After much pursuit of her, they were married on June 18, 1955. They made a great team, and she greatly contributed to his future success. His second job was with Colson Company in Elyria, working large computers doing programming. An opportunity arose with another company, called Arnold Business Forms in Akron so he entered as a salesman. He had found his niche and working diligently, he became Salesman of the Year. The company was expanding and Wayne moved his family to the Akron area and bought a home in Silver Lake. He continued to work his way up the ladder and became President and CEO of this now large, nationwide company. He was well respected and brought much insight to the business forms field and helped many others to find success and prosperity. At age 51 having the insight that the business forms industry was going to change rapidly he took the opportunity with mixed emotions to sell the company to Reynolds & Reynolds in Dayton. Though Reynolds & Reynolds added him to their board of directors with much thought he decided to retire rather than move his family to Dayton. He now used his time to mentor many young people who also wanted to achieve success in their lives. He set up small teaching lectures at his home so he could spread his knowledge and creativity to others. He also started a consulting business where he would advise struggling companies on how to reframe their business towards success. He also fulfilled a dream with his wife to have property in Florida and a boat on the Gulf of Mexico. Many family and friends came for visits where they were so graciously hosted by Wayne and Doris, who loved to share their friendship and prosperity. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris Marie; children, Linda M. Jira (Mark) Brinkerhoff of Stow, Sandra L. of Akron; grandchildren, Ryan C., Carly M. and Ciara R.; brothers Lee (Barbara) Jira, Gerald (Bernadette) Jira, Joel (Debbie) Jira; sister Gail Spatz of Texas. The family wishes to thank the many people who have been a part of his life and especially for those who were able to visit him in his last few days. What a tribute to the man he was. He will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 13, at 10:00 am at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 164 W. Market St., Akron, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brookpark, Ohio at a later date.