James E. Goranson

James E. Goranson, 58, passed away on June 22, 2010, peacefully and surrounded by his family, following a courageous five and 1/2 year battle with cancer. Jim was born on May 7, 1952 to Henry and Jeanne (Greaves) Goranson. He attended Start High School in Toledo and then The Ohio State University. Jim graduated in 1974 and married his college sweetheart, Vicki Willis, that same year. Following in the footsteps of his dad and older brother, Jim earned a law degree from the University of Toledo, College of Law in 1978. After being admitted to the practice of law, Jim joined his father and his brother as a member of Goranson, Goranson & Goranson. In 2002, the law firm Goranson, Parker & Bella was formed, where he continued to practice law with his brother and close friends. His niece joined the firm in 2003. Continuing the family tradition started by his father, Jim practiced law with his family members until his death. Jim was active in his community. He was a member of the Toledo Bar Association, serving on several Bar Association Committees, as well as being a member of the Board of Trustees. He also served on the board of Neighborhood Housing Services of Toledo, Inc. and the Pat Miller Foundation for the Kahle Senior Center. Jim was a long standing member of the Toledo Host Lions Club. Jim was a lifelong member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and participated in presenting Wellness Seminars for Senior Citizens regarding legal issues. Jim was also an avid golfer, playing for many years in the Aldersgate Golf League, but was better known for logging ducks than birdies in his rounds of golf. Jim enjoyed traveling with his family, primarily to Ft. Myers, Florida and Walloon Lake, Michigan. Jim also took particular delight in planning and carrying out elaborate practical jokes. He once attempted to combine tap dancing with amateur magic tricks. In addition to his enchanting sense of humor, Jim was well-known for his kindness and thoughtfulness. Jim's family was singularly important to him. A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 35 years, Vicki Goranson, and his daughter, Jacquelyn (Ben) Jones. He is also survived by his brother, Roger (Rebecca) Goranson; his niece, Gretchen (David) Weston; his great-niece and great-nephew, Lana Weston and Gabriel Weston; his in-laws, Carl and Virginia Willis; his sister-in-law, Cheryl (Dr. James) Burkhardt and nephews, Michael (Lauren) Burkhardt and Brad Burkhardt. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Jeanne. Friends may visit the family on Friday, June 25th from 2:00-9:00 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd). Interment will be private. Please join us for a celebration of Jim's life on Saturday, June 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4030 Douglas Rd., Toledo, OH 43613 and the Sylvania Relay For Life , a part of the American Cancer Society , 135 Chesterfield Lane, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537. Condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com