James D. Saluga, 60, of Girard, passed away Sunday August 28, 2011 as the result of a massive stroke at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio.

The loving son of John W. and Mary Bruzik Saluga Jr. he was born December 30, 1950 in Warren, Ohio.

Jim was a proud alumnus of Warren G. Harding High School, class of 1969 and attended Kent State Trumbull Branch. He was employed as an inspector for Delphi Packard Electric and retired after more then 30 years of service.

He was also a professional photographer working for Ohio Color in Youngstown doing portraits and weddings. His photos have won several awards.

Jim was of the Catholic Faith, loved music and played the drums in marching bands and in several combos. He often sat in on open-mike nights at local venues. He also was an avid golfer and bowler who belonged to several leagues, including the Packard Night Owl League, loved boating and riding his bike through the bike trails in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, and enjoyed the Cleveland Sports teams, especially the Cavs.

Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife extensively in The United States and Europe as Las Vegas was his favorite destination.

He is survived by his wife Gayle Chance Saluga whom he married October 16, 1976 and a sister Sandra Saluga of Warren. He will be deeply missed by his family and his family of friends and The "Mew Crew", Mimi, Jay, Butters, and Nermal.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 5 to 8PM Wednesday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM Thursday at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Warren with Fr. James Walker officiating, preceded by a 9:15AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Family and friends can view this obituary, sign the guestbook, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.