James Girard Gides

James Girard Gides transitioned into eternal life from his home in Jackson Township, on December 4, 2025, in the arms of his beloved wife Jeanne and surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on December 9, 1949 in Altoona, PA., the son of Margaret Jane (Robine) and Michael Gides. For seven years, he lived in Lilly, PA., the generational hometown of the Gides and Robine families, where all of the men had jobs working in the coal mines. His Dad then began his career as a plant manager with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and the family moved to Cleveland, OH., Ashtabula, OH., and Syracuse, NY. In 1967, Jim graduated from North Syracuse High School. Jim was a star on the school baseball team and being a left-handed pitcher, had a wicked sinking curveball. His "claim to fame" was that Richard Gere was in his graduating class (and he had stories to tell about their adventures)!

In 1971, Jim graduated from Bowling Green University and began his career in education with the Massillon City Schools where he served for thirteen years as an Earth Science Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Instruction. In 1974, he earned his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Kent State University. In 1984, he began his career as a Superintendent with the New London Schools and was subsequently a Superintendent for the Coventry Local Schools and Norton City Schools. Jim was known for his love of education, his compassion for students, and his ability to work with people. He was a true advocate for teachers and settled the contract with the Coventry teachers union in one day. He was also a favorite of the Coventry FAMAs parent group. During this time, Jim also was an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at Ashland University.

Jim was a former member of the Massillon Education Association, Ohio Education Association, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, and Summit County Superintendents.

After retirement, Jim decided to explore a number of careers including managing a cigar store, owning the Glass Tower Luncheon Cafe, a realtor at Cutler Realty, the head of security at JC Penneys (Canton Centre), and General Manager at Clay's Park. He truly enjoyed all of the people he met and experiences he had in these endeavors.

Jim's greatest love was his family. He liked to take his family on adventures which sometimes...er... many times turned into misadventures. His family affectionately gave him the moniker "Clark" after the character in Christmas Vacation. One of the more notable misadventures occurred in 2005 when Jim was taking Jeanne to visit her cousin in Texas. Jim decided to get off the highway at the Crawford exit to see if he could find President George W. Bush's ranch. Unbeknownst to Jim or Jeanne, President Bush happened to be hosting Israeli Prime Minister Sharon at his ranch that day. After getting directions at the very small gas station in the one-stoplight remote area of Crawford, Jim managed to find the ranch, drove by slowly and decided to turn around to get another look. Immediately, out of nowhere, their car was surrounded by the black Escalades of the Secret Service, who promptly escorted them bumper-to-bumper back to the highway!

Jim loved to take his family and friends on yearly trips to fish camp in the Thousand Islands or Lake Chautauqua, the Royal Mayan in Cancun, and to Salt Fork to hunt for Bigfoot. In years past, he also enjoyed snowmobiling in Canada. He also enjoyed his Pontoon boat at Craftsmen Park on the Portage Lakes.

Jim had an enduring interest in all sports including the Massillon Tigers, THE Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Cavilers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a season ticket holder for fifty-four years for the Massillon Tigers and rarely missed a home game. In 2023, he finally witnessed, with much enthusiasm, his Tigers win a state championship! TIG..... He used to say his favorite season was football. Twenty-five years ago, with Jeremy and Michael, he created the fantasy football league Men of Steel. Jim named his team the Lilly Coal Miners. The league still exists today and has become a tradition for family members and friends.

Jim had a deep and abiding faith and was a member of St. Mary's Church for over fifty years. He always said that one of his most significant and rewarding roles was that of a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's. It was very meaningful for him to share this sacrament with his family and church community. In 1997, when Michael was studying in Spain, Jim, Jeanne, and Michael took a special trip to Fatima, Portugal to visit the shrine of our Lady of Fatima.They also visited Sevilla, Spain during Semana Santa (Holy Week) to take part in the processions.

Jim is survived by Jeanne (Kuder), wife of thirty-three years; sons and daughters-in-law Jeremy (Robyn) and Michael (Kara); grandchildren Zachary Rush, James, Colby, Jeremy, Marissa, and Mia Gides; brother Michael Gides; brother and sisters-in-law Charles and Eleanor Kuder and Celeste Powell; Godsons/nephews Andrew James Gides and Andrew James Kuder; nieces and nephews Elise Gides, Maureen (James) Elmer, Cristen (Matt) Cancilla, Eric Powell, Margaret (Brent) Kuder Martinez, Nick Powell, Charlie (Kevin) Kuder, Helen (Ben) Perkins, John (Sydnie) Kuder, and Emily Kuder; Great nieces and nephews Serafinah and Joseph Gides; Chloe and Asher Elmer; Elizabeth, Joshua, Christopher, and Zachary Cancilla; Shepherd Bond; Rosie and Norah Martinez. Jim is also survived by many cousins and friends.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Margaret Jane and Michael Gides; mother and father-in-law Margaret and James Kuder; and sister and brother-in-law Marcia and James Kuder II.

Jim's family would like to thank the following caregivers for their compassionate care of Jim: Charlotte Simmons; Barbara Bendura; Dr. Jessica Falvo Lang, Felicia, and the staff at Massillon Family Practice; staff at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Center; Diane Weaver and staff at Empathia Health Care; staff at Advantage Home Health Care; Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute; and Cleveland Clinic Hospice.

The family will receive friends Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home of Green Chapel, 4178 Massillon Road (corner of Massillon and Steese Roads in Green, entrance off Steese). A requiem mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 206 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon OH 44646. Inurnment Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary School at the address above.