James McRoy

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James "Jim" McRoy, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Jim passed away on February 17, 2025, at 1:05 a.m. at the Dayton VA Hospice Center, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 78 years old.

Born on April 4, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, Jim was the son of James and Bernice McRoy, both of whom preceded him in death. 

Jim was survived by his loving wife, Paula McRoy (Staley), who describes him as her Knight in Shining Armor. When he entered her life, he was all in and her entire family, including her siblings, became his family. Due to his international business, he traveled the world and oftentimes took Paula along with him. Because of him she has been to every continent (except Australia and Antarctica) and 48 states. Due to Paula's love of karaoke, he was happy to take her whenever she wanted and was so proud of her beautiful voice and loved listening to her sing and would occasionally sing himself.

He is also survived by his large, blended family: his children Jason (Lynnetta), Paula (Michael) Durner, Jon (Julie) Goffena, Matt (Julie) Goffena, Melissa (Dan) Jock, Monica (Michael "Jake") Jacobs, Gordy (Jamie) Price, McRoy, Christopher (Ilka) McRoy, and his sister Leslie (Dr. Michael) O'Conner. Jim also leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Jim's life was full of impressive achievements. He was a graduate of Holy Name High School in Cleveland, Ohio and pursued part-time studies at Art School while being considered as a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. But as fate would have it life had other plans, and Jim found himself drafted into the U.S. Army. He served a tour in Vietnam as a communications radio operator. 

After his service, Jim went on to start an extremely successful international business, KMI Systems Inc., which manufactured paint and porcelain enamel finishing systems, with clients such as Whirlpool, Weber and many other big corporations. Any blue silos that you see came from KMI. In his first marriage to Dianne Brooks, they had two sons, Jason and Christopher.  He had maintained a strong relationship with all his previous in-laws. He would eventually meet and marry Paula, the love of his life. If you saw them walking, they were surely holding hands. They were always doting on one another. We could all see what made him melt, it was heartwarming to watch the chivalry he showed to her all the time. They were best friends for sure.

 Jim loved visiting his kids and his grandchildren, doting on them and so proud of all of their accomplishments. He gave endless assistance in all of his kid's projects. Always the first to lend a hand. Whether it be converting a barn into a house, knocking out a wall in a renovation, and too many projects to list.

Jim had a way of making people feel lucky to be in his orbit. He had a steadiness and strength that we all relied on, his love was boundless.

Jim went by many names—Poppy, Pops, Jimmy, Grandpa and Dad—but all of them reflected the same person: a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to cross his path. He will be deeply missed, and though he's gone, the memories, the laughter, and the love will never fade.

Rest easy, Jim. The world will certainly not be the same without you in it. With our love and prayers.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery, Sidney. Visitation will be on Friday at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home from 9:15 to 10:15 AM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfh.com