James J. Larner

James J. “Jim” Larner, age 73, peacefully passed away at home on February 12th, with his 2 favorite girls, Barbara (née Burgess) and faithful companion Zoey, by his side.

Jim was born December 16th, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio and joined the Navy right out of high school. He met and married Barb in Buffalo, NY and together they raised a son, Brian. Jim was also the very proud grandfather to Shaina and Derek Larner.

Jim retired as an Operations Manager at First Energy in 2014 and enjoyed traveling with his family and friends. He was an avid marksman and loved spending time at the gun club or shooting range. He was also a skilled wood worker and enjoyed tinkering in the garage or the shop whenever he had a chance. Above all, he was a devoted and selfless caregiver for his son throughout Brian’s battle with cancer and then tenderly cared for him during his final days.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, Brian Larner; parents, Murray (Bud) and Patricia (née McGinity) Larner; and brothers in law David Eubank and Lynn Burgess.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara; siblings, Dianne (CJ) Williams, Deborah (David) Eubank, Michael (Cindy) Larner; his loving aunt, Amy Burgess; brother in law, Gary (Cheryl) Burgess; sister in law, Karen Burgess; granddaughter, Shaina Larner; grandson, Derek Larner; nephews, David Eubank jr., Stanley (Rose) Eubank and Mark Burgess; nieces, Kristen (Patrick) George, Amy (Jason) Eschberger, Colleen (Eric) Burgess and many great nephews and nieces.

Jim will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at his favorite watering hole at a date to be determined later. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Kidney Fund to help the fight against kidney disease.

The Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online Obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com