Gerald "Jesse" Laverne James

Gerald “Jesse” Laverne James, 77, of Galion, passed away on August 4, 2020 at his home.

Jesse was born in Bucyrus on January 16, 1943 to the late Coy and Elsie (Campbell) James. He married Paulette "Skip" (Forshaw) James, and she survives him.

Jesse worked as a line operator at Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and retired after 42 years of employment. He was a member of the Crawford County Lions Club, and was part of the Front Row Guys, watching the Colonel Crawford Eagles play basketball and football. He was a true sports fan, following the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Jesse was an avid bowler and golfer. He enjoyed the Quarter Horse Congress. Jesse was known to be a busy bee, always finding something to do.

In addition to his wife, Jesse is survived by his children, Kyle (Sheri) James, Galion; Traci (Scott) Whitcraft, Charleston, TN; his step sons, Edward Mulvaine, Galion, and Eric (Karen) James; his grandchildren, Kylee James, Kaleb (Rebecca) Whitcraft, Courtney Duncan, Taylor Whitcraft, Brianna (Rylan) Parker, Gabriella VanHorne, Jordan Whitcraft, Meg (Christopher) Hampton, Alex (Stephen Joyner) James, Zach James; nine great-grandchildren; his brothers, Melvin James, Tiro, Wayne (Debbie) James, Gainesville, FL; his sister Laura May Cobb, Bucyrus.

Jesse was preceded in death by his brother, Vaughn James and his previous wife, Nancy (Baker) James.

Friends may call on Friday, August 7, 2020 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at the Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 223 West Main St., Crestline, with Rev. Joe Stafford officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Bucyrus.

In accordance with the Governor’s mandate, masks will now be required to enter the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Colonel Crawford Athletic Boosters, in care of the funeral home.

Those wishing to share a memory of Jesse or send condolences to the James family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.

The Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Gerald “Jesse” L. James.

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