James M. DeGood

James M. DeGood, 82, of Howland Township died peacefully at 8:12PM Monday January 22, 2018 at Autumn Hills Care Center in Niles.

He was born May 7, 1935 in Marysville, Ohio the son of Max and Marjory Schoenleb DeGood and was the oldest of four children.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Marysville High School where he was an honor student, president of student council, and received nine varsity letters for three sports .He continued his education at The Ohio State University receiving a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1957. 

He began his employment with the underwriting division of The Glens Falls Insurance Company at their Columbus office.  He was the manager of that department when he resigned in 1967 and moved to Warren, Ohio to join the Gamble Insurance Agency. Some years later, Jim and his partners purchased The Gamble Agency, which then continued to operate in Howland as The Gibson-DeGood Insurance Agency until he retired. While working, Jim was a member of The Independent Insurance Agents Association of Trumbull County being the treasurer of that organization for over 25 years.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles and active in several business and social organizations during his life. He was a Jaycee, member of The Chamber, Kiwanis, YMCA, TAG, Butler Art, The Buckeye Club, Trumbull Country Club, Ohio State Faculty Club, and The Ohio State Alumni Association.

Jim enjoyed a social life with many friends. He liked to travel and visited several European Countries. He followed sports of every kind, and at one time had season tickets for the Indians, the Browns, and the Cavs. One highlight of his life was a visit to Augusta National Golf Course to witness the play of The Masters Golf Tournament. However by far, most important in his sports life was Ohio State Football. He was a season ticket holder for 48 years and followed the Buckeyes to several bowl games in California, Florida, and Arizona. At home, Jim liked to cook and personally take care of his property.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Nancy Vennitti DeGood, the true love of his life, whom he married November 5, 1983, a son  Douglas DeGood of Charleston, South Carolina, a daughter Terri Pytlik of Warren, a brother Jerry DeGood and his wife Mary of Brookville, Florida, three grandchildren, Mathew Pytlik and his wife Kelsey, Andrew Pytlik and his wife Clair and Laura Hawkins and her husband Hunter, and two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Addison Hawkins.

He was preceded in death by a brother, John DeGood and a sister Jayne Overfield.

Material contributions can be made to Project 20/20, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 381 Robbins Ave, Niles Ohio 44446 or The Butler Art, 524 Wick Ave, Youngstown, Ohio 44502.

Friends may call Friday from 9AM to 10:30AM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial Mass will be held 11AM Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles preceded by a 10:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends can light, a candle, sign the guest book, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James M. DeGood, please visit our floral store.