James Edward "Jim" Menegay

James "Jim" Menegay, age 87, of Louisville, OH passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Sheila, "the Love of his life" was at his side, holding his hand. He was born September 1, 1937 in Louisville to Ira and Marie (Gladieux) Menegay. Jim was a 1956 graduate of Louisville High School where he earned a total of 6 varsity letters, 2 in baseball and 4 in football. After serving in the Army, Jim returned home to Sheila, started a family and began his career at The Timken Company where he worked for 42 years. While balancing family and work, Jim dedicated his free time to coaching summer baseball for 55 years. He found his true passion in the Hot Stove "E" League, coaching young men aged 15-18. 1985 was "The year of the horse" netting Jim his 1st of 7 State Championships. Summer ball was a family affair with Sheila as the official launderer and uniform seamstress, both sons filling the role of bat boy or playing on the team and his daughter the scorekeeper. Saying that Jim had Leopard Pride is an understatement! He was a regular fixture at all Louisville sporting events and was an active member of the booster club for over 25 years. He could frequently be found volunteering in the concession stands and into his 80's, he trekked up the stadium stairs to the top of the press box to film football games for the team. Jim was inducted into the Louisville Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006 and was presented with the Louisville Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Jim's leadership and mentoring was also recognized outside of Louisville when he was inducted into the Stark County Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 and was honored with the Hot Stove Cy Butler Award in 2005.
Jim lived a life of service to family, community and friends. He was a devout Catholic and active member of Sacred Heart of Mary Parish. In retirement, he attended and served mass daily and had a weekly Meals on Wheels route. He was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and never met a stranger. Most of all, family brought Jim the most joy. Some of his happiest moments were playing dominoes and euchre after family dinner or watching his Red Sox or Fighting Irish with his kids and Grandkids. He was a huge John Wayne fan and spent his final days watching his favorite movies with his daughter and son-in-law.
Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sheila Menegay; his daughter, Mary (Jeff) Teel; five grandchildren, Melinda (Brian) Kulow, Savanna (Alex) Wilburn, Amanda (Kyle) Myers, Aaron Menegay and Joshua Thompson. Three great-grandchildren, Grayson Wright, Addison Wilburn and Benjamin Myers. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Mark Menegay and Patrick Menegay; two sisters, Helen Zawadski and Doris Paro; three brothers, Richard, Paul and Tom Menegay.
Calling hours will be 5-7pm Thursday evening (9/12/2024) and 9:30-10am Friday morning at Stier-Israel Funeral Home in Louisville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11am Friday morning at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Harrisburg with Fr. Matthew Humerickhouse as celebrant. Jim will be laid to rest, with military honors, in the Sacred Heart of Mary Parish Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stierisraelfuneralhome.com The family would like to extend special thanks to Alliance Aultman Hospice, especially Jaime and Gail, The Nimishillen Township EMS, caregivers Patty, Chris, Tracy, both Tinas and all of the special neighbors who were looking out for him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jim Menegay Scholarship Fund through the Louisville Scholarship Foundation located at 315 South Chapel St. in Louisville or The Sacred Heart of Mary Parish.
Stier-Israel Funeral Home 330-875-1414
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