James A. Mraz Sr.

James A. Mraz, 66, a self made man, passed away, Sunday, June 10, 2012 at the Cleveland Clinic. Jim was born, January 26, 1946 at the Army Hospital at White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia. He graduated from John Adams High School, Cleveland, in 1964 and was a long time resident of Bay Village before moving to Las Vegas. Mr. Mraz was an entrepreneur creating successful companies for the past 37 plus years. His life's work and dream culminated with the founding of NOVA Machine Products Corporation, Middleburg Heights in 1984. He was the President and CEO and also the Vice President of Nova Services and Applications, Incorporated (NSA). NOVA Machine Products manufactures and sells fasteners and nuclear hardware. NOVA received the prestigious Weatherhead 100 Award as the "Outstanding Growth Company" in Northeast Ohio and was also the recipient of the Weatherhead Award for "Outstanding Company" 4 years in a row. After retiring from the work force, he created and produced his own television show, "Children Talk". Mr. Mraz had many interests and hobbies; he was an avid golfer, certified scuba diver, and member of Westwood Country Club. He was a boater and also a Harley Davidson owner and collector. He was an automobile enthusiast; he enjoyed travel including cruises and life in Las Vegas. He was described by his family as someone who could tell a great story and was fun to be with. He attended Holy Trinity Church, Avon, was a member of the Fortune 500 Club, and an active member of numerous fastener industry organizations, including the Industrial Fastener Institute (IFI), Nuclear Society, NC Fastener Association, and the Utilities Service Alliance. Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years Joyce (nee Tracz); children, Denise Mraz, James Jr. and Irene Mraz; grandfather of Carmelle Wasch and Dustin Mraz.; brother of Marsha Mraz Wilson and Thomas Mraz. Friend to many. Preceeded by parents Yaro T., Sr. and Lois C. (nee Kinford) Mraz. Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home 32000 Detroit Rd., Avon, Friday, June 15 from 2:00-8:00pm and Saturday, June 16 @ 8:00am, prayers service will be at the funeral home, Saturday at 9:15am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church, 33601 Detroit Rd., Avon at 10:00am. Entombment will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655.