James S. Katich, 97, passed away Wednesday, April 27, at Bethany Nursing Home. He was born in Canton on November 27, 1924, the son of the late Robert and Mary (Home) Katich. He was preceded in death by wife Elsie Katich (12/22/81) and wife Rosella Katich (2/2/01); brothers Mike, Joseph and John; and sisters Rose and Frances. A member of Christ the Servant Parish at Our Lady of Peace Church of Canton, he proudly served his country in the US Army in WWII. James was employed as a fork-lift operator for the Ford Motor Company in Canton for 31 years before retiring in 1979. He was a member of the VFW Post 3747 of Canton and the Eagles Lodge of Perry Township. James loved to travel to Croatia and throughout the United States. He had a passion for antiques and flea marketing. Also, loved country western dancing and the polka. He is survived by daughters Sandra Katich of Mayfield Heights, Ohio; Linda (Michael) Mattes of Fort Mill, South Carolina; and Debra (William) McLeod of Canton, Ohio. Also survived by siblings Mary Patti of Fullerton, California; Dan Katich of Streetsboro, Ohio; and Robert Katich of Minerva, Ohio. He was blessed with six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Dolores Fouts was his fiancé. He will be deeply missed by all those who loved him and had the pleasure of knowing him. Family and friends will be received at the Waltner-Simchak Funeral Home (2257 Mahoning Road NE, Canton) on Wednesday, May 4, from 9:30-10:30. Then, a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Christ the Servant Parish at Our Lady of Peace Church (833 – 39th Street NW, Canton) from 11:30-12:30 with Fr. Thomas Cebula officiating. Burial at Calvary Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethany Nursing Home (626 – 34th Street NW, Canton) in James' name.

Waltner-SIMCHAK Funeral Home Locally Owned Since 1917 330-455-0293