James V. Angelo

James Vincent Angelo, known as Jim, and Mr. "A" passed away on August 3, 2025 at the age of 96. He was born in Birmingham, Ohio to Joseph and Josephina (Gatto) Angelo in 1929. He earned his pilot license in high school; flying a Waco; Cessna; and crashed a PT-19 in a field while skipping school. He sustained only a scratch on his forehead, but took a beating from his mom when he got home! He joined the Air Force in 1948, in the 3512 Maintenance Squadron, Staff Sergent in charge of Officers Records and was Honorably discharged in 1951. Stationed in San Antonio, Texas, he met and married Barbara (Trent) Angelo who has been his bride for 73 years. He graduated from Oberlin College of Commerce and began his career in the car business, working as an accountant at Kyle Motors; General Manager at Milad Chevy; General Manager and Dealer at Ed Mullinax Ford in Amherst and Akron, Ohio; and as a dealer at Jim Angelo Ford in Napoleon, Ohio. Retired, Jim and Barb lived in The Villages, Florida nearly 30 years.
Jim is survived by his spouse, Barbara; daughters Caron L. Kelley, retired customer service manager, Mesquite, Texas; Susan Angelo, actress, Los Angeles, CA; and many beloved nieces and nephews in Ohio, Florida and Boston. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Jean; siblings Rossel (Joe), Marguerite (Dolly), Mary Antoinette (Toots); Richard (Dick); Stella (Sis); and Robert (Doby).
He loved the Cleveland Indians and was a loyal Browns fan. Jim was featured in Dealer World Magazine for hiring women in top managerial positions. He taught his children about "Positive Thinking" before the New Age movement. He vacationed with his wife and family to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and loved playing blackjack in Las Vegas and Biloxi. He also loved playing golf, proudly making a Birdie on Hole 17 at Sawgrass Tournament Players Club, as well as a hole-in-one at Napoleon Municipal Golf Course in 2000. At the age of 78, he shot a 78 in the Villages, (beating his nephew by 10 or 15 strokes!). Jim enjoyed playing champion courses at the Villages with his wife and group of close friends several times a week.
His ashes will be buried at Birmingham Cemetery in Ohio at a future time, next to the Birmingham United Methodist Church, where he is still a member.
Friends and family all loved Jim. He always made sure they had good, affordable cars, and got them good deals, as long as they drove Fords! His face lit up when he saw people he loved, and he would enthusiastically greet them by saying their names lovingly. He would hold court with friends, telling stories with a smile and infectious sense of humor. He offered an open ear to his children, nephews and nieces, especially during difficult times. He loved giving tours in his golf cart. He was the original "glass half full" man, always ready to listen and never in a hurry.
Celebrations will be held in Florida and Ohio at a later time. In lieu of flowers or donations to honor Jim, go out to dinner with a friend or two, enjoy each other's company and pick up the check.