James B. "Jim" Royston

James Bert Royston, known affectionately as Jim, Dad and Grandpa to his immediate family, and as Uncle Jim or Jimmy to his large extended family, passed away from pulmonary fibrosis on July 23, 2024, at the age of 81 in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was also born on January 4, 1943.

Jim grew up on Martin Street in the St. Bernard area of Cincinnati and was a life-long member of St. Clement Catholic parish since his baptism in 1943. He attended St. Clement primary school, followed by Roger Bacon high school, and later graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's degree in Education. He enjoyed doing research with hundreds of good workmates at Procter and Gamble from 1964 to 1999. He worked hard to make a home for his family in North Avondale from 1971 to 1982 and then in St Bernard from 1982 until his death.

Jim is survived by a loving family, including his wife of 58 years, Mary Jo (Hinterlong) Royston; his son, Thomas James Royston and daughter-in-law Theresa Burkhart; his son, Andrew Bert Royston and daughter-in-law Phuong Chau Royston; his granddaughters, Nina and Chloe Royston, and Arwen Royston. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Maisel and Maureen Wallace.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Angela (Early) Royston; his siblings, Ann Kimes, Thomas Royston (died in infancy), Sr. Eileen Royston O. S. F., and Sr. Carol Royston O. S. F.

Jim will be affectionately remembered by his family for the many summer road and camping trips, covering stops from Florida to Arizona to British Columbia to Ontario to Maine and Alaska. He will be affectionately remembered by his extended family for beach rental vacations in Alabama and the Florida panhandle with his wife's side and at the Outer Banks of North Carolina with his side of the extended family. After retiring, he enjoyed taking trips to England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Spain with Mary Jo.

Jim was an avid golfer, who played nearly every week with his golfing buddies and the P&G league from 1956 to 2023. He was also a dedicated distance runner from 1966 to 2008, completing 33 marathons, including 3 Bostons, and one 50-mile ultramarathon. He ran the first 42 Cincinnati Heart Mini 15k's and many shorter races.

Jim was grateful to all the healthcare workers who cared for him in his life, everyone who ever offered him friendship and encouragement, the many loving friars who lifted his spirits and taught him the real important things in life, and to God for planting him in a loving family with gentle, hard-working parents and five exceptional sisters. Jim had a full life on earth and now is in the next one where peace is everywhere and there are no taxes.

Jim will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his unwavering integrity, and his generous spirit. In his final act of giving, Jim donated his body to science through the University of Cincinnati Medical School Body Donation program. A visitation will be held on August 3, 2024 at St. Clement Church at 10 am followed by a memorial mass at 11 am. Jim's family asks that any donation in honor of his memory be made to Saint Clement's Parish at https://www.stclementcincinnati.org/.