James Hamilton Hower

James Hamilton Hower of Bath Township passed away on July 8, 2022.

He was born in Akron, Ohio on May 1, 1940, to the late John B. Hower and Mary Ayers Hower. Service and dedication to his community was a way-of-life for Jim with 47 years as a volunteer fireman/paramedic. Being a leader, he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief in the Bath Fire Department. In 1997, he was named Summit County Fireman of the Year and received the Chick Markley Award for Distinguished Service. In addition, after retiring from the fire service, he continued to give back to the community by serving on the Bath Township Zoning Commission. For over 40 years, Jim worked at The Akron Selle Company, a metal stamping business owned by the Hower family since 1903. He eventually became Vice President and was in charge of the operations. Also a philanthropist, Jim touched the lives of many with his charitable contributions to multiple organizations. He leaves behind his loving wife, Claudia; his cherished sons, Timothy and Walter; his treasured grandchildren, Olivia, Mya and Elie; his brother-in-law, Bill (Rosemary) and sister-in-law, Kathy. Preceded in death by his brother, Otis, and sister, Jean Taber.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Revere High School, 3420 Everett Rd, Richfield, Ohio 44286. Visitation will begin at 11 AM, a ceremony honoring Jim will take place at noon, followed by time to visit and share memories with the family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting memorials be sent to: Bath Fire Department 3864 W Bath Rd. Akron, Ohio 44333 or Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park @conservancyforcvnp.org/donate.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.