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Jim Letcavits Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our friend, husband, father, grandfather, teacher and coach, Jim Letcavits, 79, on Feb. 3, 2015, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was born in Massillon on Dec. 1, 1935, to the late Joseph and Margaret (Stephan) Letcavits. He attended St. Mary School, Longfellow Jr. High, and Washington High School where he graduated in 1954.
He was proceeded in death by a younger brother, Timothy Letcavits of Massillon, aunt and uncle, Helen and Clarence Jones and their daughter June, and aunt and uncle, Edna and Peter Letcavits. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy, a brother, Tom Letcavits of Massillon, son John (Jerri) Letcavits of Columbus, daughters Joi (Michael Hodgson) Letcavits, and Kristi (Tim) Muzi, son, Bart Letcavits all of Massillon, grandchildren, Travis and Chase Letcavits of Columbus, Olivia and Grace Muzi, and Cason Letcavits all of Massillon.
Jim was a standout on the gridiron as an All-Ohio player for the Massillon Tigers and an All-Big Eight player for the University of Kansas. After a six year professional career in the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos, he returned to Massillon where he was a teacher, assistant football coach and head track coach for over 30 years. He was inducted into the Massillon Tiger Hall of Champions and the Stark County Football Hall of Fame. Jim was a member of St. Mary Church, the Knights of Columbus, and past president of the Stark County Coaches Association. His favorite activities included spending time with his children and grandchildren, woodworking projects, hunting, golfing, and playing cards with his pals. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all the staff at Country Lawn and Crossroads Hospice for the devoted care they provided Jim.
Calling hours will be held at Heitger Funeral home, Jackson Chapel, on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 from 12 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at 10 a.m. with Father Ed Gretchko celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater East Ohio Chapter/Walk To End Alzheimer's TEAM TIGER, 408 9TH Street SW, Suite 1610, Canton, OH 44707.
Please leave condolences at www.heitger.com
Heitger Funeral Home and Cremation Service-Jackson Chapel 330-830-0148
Massillon's Oldest Family Owned Business
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Memories and Condolences
for Jim Letcavits
Cathi and Jeff Heitger
February 15, 2015
Dear Letcavits Family, please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband and father.
Darrel Strickling
February 8, 2015
To the family of Coach Lec I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers. I'll never forget that raspy voice, silver filling (If I recall correctly) in his smile, and uttering words of motivation from the sidelines. Coach was a class act and educator of young men for which I'm eternally grateful! I admired him, and he admired my grandfather the late George "Sport" Getz for what they brought to the game of football. Coach Lec's spirit will live forever and I would go into any battle for him any day! Until we meet again Sir! God Bless! ~Strick
Chip Paquelet
February 8, 2015
Coach Lec was my coach and teacher. He was a wonderful man who mentored and favorably impacted the lives of thousands of Massillon's youth. It is a wonderful legacy to have helped so many. Coach Lec had a special relationship with his players and students. He had their attention and respect, and never had to demand or even ask for it. While he was a towering figure with an accomplished athletic resume, he was soft-spoken and kind. His life made a difference-to me and many others. We are eternally grateful and will forever carry our fond memories of Coach Lec.
Chris Beggs
February 7, 2015
Joi, The passing of a parent brings such sadness but, it also brings a flood of wonderful memories, special times, and the knowledge that you were loved. In return, the constant care you gave to your father, the grocery store trips, the Alzheimer's walks, and those specials times you shared with your dad let him know he was loved in return. He is in great company and will forever be in your heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace.
sue hall
February 7, 2015
To the entire Letcavits Family,
You have our sympathy, he was a fine man, who had a terrible disease. May you all find comfort in knowing he is at peace. Go.d Bless each and everyone of you
With deep regret,
Sue (Whales wife) Tucker and Dana Hall
Joni Ungashick
February 7, 2015
My deepest sympathy Nancy and family. Always enjoyed waiting on Jim the past 30 years. All those coaches when they would meet for lunch would go over stories after stories. I would always enjoy listening. Jim was a true gentlemen. He was very loved by family and many friends and it showed.
Kristen Moll
February 6, 2015
Bart and Family,
Please accept my sympathy at this sad time! We have all lost a wonderful man and a gentle soul! I feel blessed to have known him and know he will be missed greatly by all those he has coached, taught, and mentored! My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this difficult time!
Bill Harmon
February 6, 2015
Dear Letcavits family,
I'm so sorry for your loss you have my deepest sympathy. Jim was Very special coach to me in football and track, he was also a great teacher and friend. I know he will be missed by so many. I will keep him in heart and memory. God bless all of you. You all are in my prayers.
Archie Campbell
February 6, 2015
Coach Lect was my position coach and my shop teacher. He taught me patience when building something and was an even better teacher on the football field, which I have carried on coaching youth football here in Florida for the past 10 years. He was tough, fair and had our respect. Thank you for making a difference in my life. May you rest in peace. Archie Campbell Class of 82
February 6, 2015
Altho I never knew coach personally, I talked to him many times when visiting my mom at County Lawn...Of course he did not answer..but every know and then I could get him to smile..that smile lit up his whole face! I will truly miss seeing him wander the halls...My deepest sympathy to all...K. Marks
M. Todd Currence
February 6, 2015
Dear Bart,
I can't imagine what you and your family have gone through during these past years. I wish I could have been closer to support all that you have done in your father's name. Living so far away really hurts when you want to be with people who have had such a big impact on your life. Your father has a very special place in my heart and I am blessed for having been so close to him and all of you as well. So many memories come flooding back from that time in our lives, like our vacations, the old high school, red-shirting, and just growing up. Your dad was instrumental in our success, invaluable and irreplaceable as a teacher and coach, and above all unique. No one was quite like Coach Lec, Big Jim. He had so many talents and gifts yet his humility, character, and approach was like no one else. He didn't have to bark because when he spoke people listened. He molded many young people for decades into champions and many of those names still are the best in Massillon history. I see your dad in you Bart as well as all as your brother and sisters and I'd like to think there is part of him in me as well. And I am certain that there are many others out there who feel the exact same way. Peace brother Bart, I hope our paths will cross again sooner than later and maybe then it will be good time to swap some stories of your dad and all the great times we had growing up in Tigertown.
Michael Todd Currence
Lou Poppovich
February 6, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Keith Griffin
February 6, 2015
Coach - You were a hero to me.
john and rosy beal
February 6, 2015
Mr.letcavits was a gentle giant.a man of few words but a giant heart.i also had him for shop class for 3 years.our prayers are with you.take comfort in the many years you've shared with him.they were your blessing.love NEVER dies.
Julie
February 6, 2015
My brother was sharing a story with me last evening about getting lost on his first day of school at WHS. He said Mr. Letcavits appeared in the hallway in front of him, my brother thought he was in trouble. He told Mr. Letcavits that he was lost and didn't know where to go. Being the kind person that he was, he walked him to his classroom. He said it's one of the moments you just don't forget, a simple act of kindness made a wonderful memory. Thank you, Sir.
Susan Vogel
February 6, 2015
Dear Letcavits Family,
I cared for COACH on mid-nights at Country Lawn and have to say he was a WONDERFUL MAN. May the Lord wrap his arms around you all in this trying time and know that Coach is flying with the angels above. Coach will be remembered by everyone whos lives he has touched in so many ways.
Anteca Coyle
February 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Letcavits family may you find time to heal after the loss of a great man that I had the pleasure of meeting he will be missed dearly
Donnie Muhlbach
February 5, 2015
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Jim. I had the pleasure to know Coach during my time at WHS. He was a gentleman and was always interested in what was going on in my life even after graduation. He always had a smile and treated all with respect. He was a great role model for the hundreds of players he coached and taught. He knew what it meant to be a Massillon Tiger and provided us with an outstanding example to follow. I thank God for the opportunity to know Coach Jim.
February 5, 2015
Nancy,
We extend our sympathy to you and your family. Jim will be remembered as a vital member of our 1954 WHS graduating class. Cherish the many happy memories.
Dave and Lois Price
Michael Hallett
February 5, 2015
Nice man. Great teacher. I was his shop foreman my senior year. My condolences to the family.
February 5, 2015
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS SHELLY & MIKE BRETZ
Kathy Kalleker Nolan
February 5, 2015
Dear Kristie, Joi, and Family,
My thoughts and prayers to out to each of you on the death of your father. I'm so sorry to hear this! You are in my prayers as you go through the very difficult next few days and on into the future.
Dan Hilbert
February 5, 2015
I don't know where to start. Coach was a giant of a man, but his heart was even bigger. He let me hang around with Bart at Track meets when we were in Jr. high. I will miss him. R.I.P. Coach Lec.
February 5, 2015
My sympathy to the entire Letcavits family. I have carried great memories of "Coach" since my high-school days & will continue to do so.
May God grant him eternal rest; may God bless his soul & give peace to all of his grieving family & friends.
Jim Smith
WHS Class of 1975
John Bachtel
February 5, 2015
To the entire Letcavits family -
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of your Husband, Father, and Grandfather. May all of you find comfort in your most cherished memories, and in the knowledge that Jim now rests peacefully in the arms of the angels.
Dale Leonard
February 5, 2015
my sincere condolences to the family.he was my football coach at Jackson High School myself more through my senior year 67 really a nice guy I enjoyed having him as a coach
Sheryl Piorkowski
February 5, 2015
Kristi, Joi, Olivia, Grace and the rest of the Letcavits family. We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad and grandpa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God Bless!
Sheryl, Brian, Quinn, BreAnna and Xavier
Karen McVeen
February 5, 2015
Kristi,Mike and I want to extend our sincere condolences to you and your family.We will keep you in our prayers!
Mike, Ann, & Alex (Smith) Reed
February 5, 2015
Bart and Family,
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Find comfort in each other and the memories of a life well lived.
February 5, 2015
Joi,Mike,Kristi,Tim & Family,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. Your father was one of the kindest men we ever had the privilege of knowing. May you find some comfort in knowing that he is now in the arms of our Lord. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Love,
Jeff & Anita Price
Heitger Funeral Services Massillon Chapel
February 5, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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