James W. Cone

James “Jim” Woodbridge Cone, 78, of Kent, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Born January 6, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jim graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and served in the National Guard. A longtime Kent resident, he built a career as a mechanical designer and carried his passion for creating into his workshop, where he designed and crafted Adirondack chairs and personalized stools for his grandchildren and many others. When he could no longer build, he drew detailed blueprints so his woodworking legacy could continue.

Jim was a lifelong music lover, with Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead among his favorites. He was equally devoted to his Cleveland Browns, and in true Jim fashion, he found a way to combine the two by designing a Brownie–Grateful Dead logo he wore proudly. He also had a thrill for fast cars, most memorably racing his ’69 Camaro, “Conefusion,” and enjoyed weekends at Mid-Ohio with family and friends. Together with his wife Cheryl, Jim was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest supporter, cheering them on from the stands.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Alison), Celia, and Lacey; eight grandchildren, Paige, Portia (Cole), Connor, Gavin, Camryn, Wyatt, Everett, and Lukas; great-grandson, Hank; sister, Jean (Ed) Cone; sister-in-law, Terri (Dan) Brunswick; brother-in-law, Bob Hursell; and nieces and nephews, Nikki, Kelly, and Corey.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl; parents, Frank and Ruthadena Cone; mother-in-law, Emma (Koerner) Reed; and sister-in-law, Vickie Ciarcia.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Seidman Cancer Center and Fresenius Kidney Care in Kent for their compassionate care. Jim’s wishes for cremation are being honored, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.