James J. Puchan

James Puchan, (affectionally known as "Jim", "Puchan", "Jimmy") 68, of Columbus, passed away tragically, along with two longtime friends, while on vacation on January 17, 2026, in Kissimmee, Florida.

Jim was born on June 17, 1957, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of the late James and Rose Marie (Urbano Brown) Puchan. Jim married the love of his life Janis Vaughn on June 10, 2000 and enjoyed 16 years of marriage before Jan's death in 2016.

He graduated from St. John High School, Class of 1975, and recently attended his 50th Class Reunion. After high school Jim went on to study Computer Science at Bowling Green State University, earning his bachelor's degree in 1980. He was a member of the marching band there, playing trumpet.

He had a long and successful career as a Database Administrator at Owens Corning, Data Analyst at Abbott Laboratories, Data Architect with Huntington Bank, and TEKsystems consulting with Nationwide Insurance. Jim also sat on the Bowling Green State University MIS Advisory Panel for 12 years.

Puchan was a loyal Cleveland Browns fan and a season ticket holder for over 30 years. He enjoyed attending games as well as fan and charity events for the Browns. Jim and Jan enjoyed traveling and it always involved visits to national and state parks where hiking and birdwatching were the focus. After retirement Jim enjoyed international travel with England and Scotland as favorites. And who can forget his snowmobile trip to Yellowstone?

Hobbies included woodworking, home improvements, and electronics. Jim was a car enthusiast of collector cars, enjoyed attending the Indy 500, and Mecum Auto Auctions. Researching his family ancestry was another favorite; traveling to Slovakia to explore his family roots and complete family trees for the Puchans and Urbanos. He never missed a Puchan Christmas Party, playing Santa for the little ones.

Puchan was blessed to have a core group of childhood and college friends that became the brothers he never had. They were always there for him and enjoyed many fun times together. They supported each other through both good and bad times.

Jimmy is survived by his sister, Elizabeth "Betty" (Paul) Doerr of Pittsburgh, PA; nephew, Andrew (Jessica) Doerr of The Woodlands, TX; great nephews, Jordan and Eli Doerr; and godsons, Michael Kraft and Ryan Kraft of FL, Kyle Kraft of MI, and Aaron Ashley of Ashtabula. He is survived by many cousins and close friends. He is also survived by his rescue cat Junior.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 3PM-5PM and 6PM-8PM at the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10AM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Ashtabula.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to St. John High School, 7911 Depot Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 or to a charity of your choice.

May Puchan rest easy, knowing he was deeply loved and that his spirit will continue to guide us. May he be reunited with Jan, a true and selfless love that never dimmed.

Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com