Julius David Kish

Julius David Kish, age 100, WWII Veteran, passed away peacefully at David Simpson Hospice House on October 19 2024. He was born September 23, 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio to Rev. Julius and Susie (Miller) Kish. Jay married Bonita J. Kennett, June 17, 1950.

As a young man, Jay served stateside during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Upon completion of his duty to his country, he returned home to finish high school and graduated from Perry High School in 1946. Jay then went on to earn a degree in agriculture from The Ohio State University, in 1950. As an entrepreneur, he founded Kish Heating, a family business, in 1952 and remained an HVAC contractor for 38 years. Additionally, he owned and operated, River Road Nursery for over 35 years. Jay had a passion for the Boy Scouts. Starting at age 12, he continued on to become a Scout Master of Troop 71 and remained in scouts for 84 years. As a member of Perry United Methodist Church for 87 years, he devoted his life to his family and God. Jay was known to run down the driveway to get the mail and surprised many people when he was still running to the mailbox into his 90’s. Jay loved fishing in the Grand River. He also enjoyed farming and nursery agriculture, church and his family.

He is survived by his children, Doug (Susan) Kish, Julie (Dennis) Smolinski, Pamela (Robert) Thompson; foster son, Leslie (Ursula) Lilliman. grandchildren, Renee (Tony), Stacey (Gib), Steven (Hannah), Bobby (Robin), Dennis (Amanda), Caitlin (Paul); great-grandchildren, Evan, Carter, Alex Jayden, Roman, Luke, Liliana, Angelo, Desmond, Maggie, Oliver, Arwyn, Adelynn, Julius, Kyler, Neve. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonita; parents; great-grandson, Mark; sisters, Ruth and Neil Redmond, Martha and Ed Brockway, Esther and Jack Schron; sister-in-law, Euretta and Ralph Bunnell.

Friends will be received 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM, Friday, November 8, 2024, at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison. Funeral service will be the next day, Saturday, November 9, 2024, 11am, at Perry United Methodist Church, 3875 Main Street, Perry Ohio, with 1 hour of visitation at church, from 10am to 11am. Pastor Lisa Courtwright will be officiating. Final Resting Place will be Perry Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Perry United Methodist Church, address above, and Hospice of the Western Reserve, PO Box 72101, Cleveland, Ohio 44192.

Online obituary may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com