Jim Dennison

Norton - Jim Dennison, age 87, of Medina, formerly of Norton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at UH Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, following a period of declining health.

Jim was born on February 5, 1938, in Lodi, Ohio, to Leo and Lola (Bowman) Dennison. He was a 1956 graduate of Wadsworth High School. Jim continued his education at The College of Wooster, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Education, and later received a master's degree in Physical Education from the University of Akron.

On June 3, 1960, in Wadsworth, Jim married the love of his life, Sue Jane Noggle, who survives him. Together they shared a lifetime of family, faith, and dedication to education and athletics.

Jim devoted nearly five decades to coaching and athletic leadership. He served as a football coach and Athletic Director at the University of Akron from 1965 until 1993. Following his retirement, Jim continued his passion for mentoring young athletes by establishing the football program as coach and Athletic Director at Walsh University, for an additional 20 years, retiring in 2012. His influence extended far beyond the field, as he shaped countless lives through leadership, integrity, and commitment.

Jim was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Wadsworth and the American Football Coaches Association. A respected figure in collegiate athletics, he was honored as the 1976 AFCA Coach of the Year and was inducted into 13 Halls of Fame, including the University of Akron Alumni Hall of Fame and the Varsity "A" Club. He was also recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Wadsworth High School.

Outside of coaching, Jim enjoyed horse racing and was the proud owner of several Standardbred racehorses.

In addition to his beloved wife, Sue, Jim is survived by his daughter, Denise (Mike) Morrow of Kent; his sons, Jim (Karen Dills) Dennison of Florence, Kentucky, Greg (Ann) Dennison of Medina, and Matt (Beth) Dennison of New Philadelphia; ten grandchildren, Kelly (Eric) Homa, Jamie (Brian) Vencl, Mandi (Ryan) Unruh, Megan Carman, Max (Michelle) Dennison, Clay (Aleatha) Dennison, Adam (Mary) Dennison, Emily Dennison, Hannah (Aaron) Dennison-George, and Abigail (Buzz) Dennison-Walker; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Terry Dennison.

Friends may call on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Auble Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street, Wadsworth.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday at The Chapel, 1391 State Road, Wadsworth, with Mike Kura officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wadsworth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Jim and Sue Dennison Scholarship at The University of Akron. Donate online at www.uakron.edu/giveUA by selecting "A different designation" and entering "Jim and Sue Dennison Scholarship," or make checks payable to The University of Akron Foundation and mail to: The University of Akron, Dept. of Development, 375 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44325-2603 (memo: Jim and Sue Dennison Scholarship).

Online registry and expressions of condolence m ay be shared at www.aublefuneralhomes.com