James M Dahl

James M. “Jim” Dahl, age 96, of Akron, OH passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, after a brief illness.

James was born April 7,1928 on a farm in Hettinger, ND. His family moved to other small Dakota towns as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Attending high school in Spearfish, SD, his friends called him “Professor.” In order to continue his education, James enlisted and honorably served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army. Thanks to the G.I. Bill, James attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was hired straight out of college by The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Starting on “The Squad” and ending as Manager of Mold Design, James worked there his entire professional career with 35 years of service. Thanks to the Goodyear corporate wellness program, James began his daily walking regime in 1976, which he continued until three days before he died.

Retired from Goodyear in 1987, James enjoyed an additional 37 years during which time he continued to pursue his passions: walking, golfing and traveling. James became a full-time RVer selling the family home and traveling with his wife Mae for the first third of his retirement. Summers in South Dakota. Winters in Florida. Golfing three days a week. Trips all over the country including driving to Alaska. He traveled solo after his wife Mae passed in 2001.

James spent the last four years living independently at Brookdale Senior Living in Montrose, OH where he found a new community of friends who brought joy to his waning years. He traded traveling and golfing for playing bridge and poker and a newly-discovered love of reading. He faithfully continued his walking. In his journal his last post totaled 37,906 fitness miles walked. 

James had a record journal for everything: fitness miles walked (when, where, and with whom), rounds of golf played, poker winnings totaled, miles driven towing an RV, national parks visited, etc. He could recreate his life’s story through his records. His was a life well-lived. 

James is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen Dahl of Spearfish, SD; wife, Mae E. of Akron, OH; and sister, Florence Gordon of Spearfish, SD. 

James is survived by two siblings and one cousin: Floyd Dahl of Deadwood, SD; George (Vereni) Dahl of Spearfish, SD; and Susan (Jim) Hallen of Hettinger, ND; and by three daughters: Susan Dahl (Robert) Stiles of Powell, OH; Arlene Dahl of Akron, OH; and Elizabeth Dahl (Paul) Voth of Akron, OH. James was also blessed with three grandchildren: Kristen Stiles (Luke) Davis of Jackson Center, OH; Kelly Stiles (William) Gibson of Hilliard, OH; and Paul Walter (Renee) Voth of Copley, OH; and seven great grandchildren: Jackson, Carson, and Lilly Davis; Olivia and Natalie Gibson; and Vera and Paul James Voth.

The family would like to thank the caring professionals in the ER and Critical Care units at Summa Health System-Akron Campus. The Honor Walk for Veterans was a moving ceremony to say goodbye and to thank Dad for his service.

And a special thank you to the wonderful community at Brookdale Senior Living in Montrose, OH. In these past few difficult years, the staff and administrators worked tirelessly to ensure the greatest of care and support for all its residents.

Calling hours 2-4 P.M. SUNDAY February 16th, 2025 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Funeral Service 11 A.M. MONDAY February 17th at Billow’s. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. The funeral ceremony will be livestreamed via Facebook LIVE. The livestream feed will be available on the Billow Funeral Homes Facebook page approximately 5 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, and can be accessed at www.facebook.com/billowfuneralhomes. In lieu of flowers or donations, Be Like Jim: Enjoy a walk or two.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Rd. Akron, OH 44333.