James "Jim" Magrini

James “Jim” Magrini , 96, a beloved and dedicated husband, son, brother and uncle passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024.
He was born to William and Pia Magrini on August 9, 1927, in New Kensington, Pa. The family later moved to Akron, Ohio where Jim’s father worked at the Firestone Rubber Factory.
Jim joined the U.S. Army after graduating from North High School in 1945. During his time in the Army, he served as a cryptographic technician, encoding and decoding classified messages for the 776th Army Air Force Base. He received the World War II Victory Medal in recognition of his service in the war.

After completing his military service, Jim returned to Akron to attend the University of Akron and worked at Goodyear Aerospace.  He later earned a master's degree in electrical engineering at the University of Dayton and worked as an electrical engineer for National Cash Register (NCR) in Dayton. Jim came back to Northeastern Ohio to work as an electrical engineer at NASA Lewis Research Center. For more than 25 years, Jim made significant contributions to the space program and inspired a few of his grand-nephews and -nieces to pursue careers in science and technology.

On June 18, 1966, Jim married Joan Magrini, the true love of his life, and they were together for 51 years. They designed a beautiful home in Bath where family and friends enjoyed their huge vegetable garden, peaceful walks in the woods and a quaint waterfall. Jim’s passion for photography was evident in the beautiful memories he captured in his photos, which will be cherished forever.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents, brothers, George and Joseph Magrini, sister, Genelia Shue, brother-in-law, Harry M. Shue, nephew, Charlie Baumgardner, and niece, Pam McMasters. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, Mary Marino, Mark Baumgardner, Peggy Contrera, Patty Baumgardner, Bill Baumgardner, Kathy Baumgardner, Greg Bachman, Mary Beth Forwark, Marty Baumgardner, Bruce Baumgardner, Sharon Quinn, Coletta Ruegg, Alice Petit, David Shue, and many grand-nieces and -nephews.

The family extends our heartfelt thanks to the nurses and aides at St. Edward Assisted Living, as well as Senior Helpers Amber and Gus, for the kindness and care extended to Jim while he was a resident for the past 5 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. WEDNESDAY at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. TUESDAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd.

Instead of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital ( www.stjude.org ) or the Village of St. Edward Foundation. ( https://vsecommunities.org )