James C. Philabaum

James C Philabaum , 74 years old of North Canton, OH passed away Sunday, December 15th in palliative care from complications of a brief illness.

Jim was born in Toledo, OH to his parents, Alfred and Nancy Philabaum . He was the 2nd oldest of four sons, Tom (Dabney), Don (Gae), and Ron (Esther). At the age of 17, Jim joined the Marines and served his country in Vietnam. His gunshot wounds would bring him home to the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Illinois, where he would reunite with his childhood girlfriend, Nancy Peltz. 

Jim and Nancy were married in June of 1970 and had three beautiful children, Jennifer, Jason (Mariandrea), and Michael (Kendall). Jim and Nancy’s love story took them from Illinois, to Texas, to Florida and back to Ohio, where they settled in Canal Fulton to raise their family.

Years in a family business allowed for Jim and Nancy to have an unusual amount of family time with adult children and grandchildren. Alexis (Jennifer), Sophia & Olivia (Jason/Mariandrea) and Noah & Sydney (Michael/Kendall) were the apple of Papa’s eye. Sleepovers at papa and grammas were common and always included SEVERAL choices of ice cream and sprinkles!! 

Despite living with debilitating pain from Adhesive Arachnoiditis, as well as chronic pain from war injuries, Jim’s positive attitude was something to be admired. “Peachy-keen” and “better than I deserve” were common answers when asked how he was doing. He was friendly, big-hearted and engaging. There wasn’t a person he met that he didn’t make feel comfortable in his presence. His physical abilities were limited but his joy of bike riding gave him FREEDOM! He couldn’t walk, but man could he ride! 

Over the last two years, Jim was in the incredible care of the Complex Care Team at Summa Hospital. The care they provided was unmatched to anything we had experienced as a family and gave Jim hope. It was never about a cure, but the willingness to try something new to allow quality of life. 

Jim was not only the rock of our family, but his kindness touched the lives of everyone he met. A man of faith, he loved fiercely and unconditionally. His signature, love you just the way you are (LYJTWYA) will forever be embedded in all those that were loved by him. 

The family will hold a celebration of life at a later time. Condolences and special memories of Jim can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com.