Jim Starr

James Edward Starr, affectionately known as Mr. Jim, passed away on May 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born on October 1, 1950, in Huntington, West Virginia, and was raised in Upper Arlington, where he attended St. Agatha School and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1968. Jim later earned a degree in business from the University of Kentucky. During college, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity where he served for a year as President and upon graduating, opened a college town sandwich shop called, Hungry Herman's.
Jim's professional career spanned several decades in the family business, where he specialized in selling strapping and packaging materials.
Jim truly loved life and had a fun, adventurous spirit! He was a gifted athlete who wrestled in high school, and later found his stride playing rugby on the Scioto Valley Rugby Team and the Franklin Area Rugby Team (Old FARTS). Jim also played squash, golf, racket ball, tennis, and basketball, winning many trophies for his exceptional athletic skills. Jim was instrumental in bringing the Huntington Challenge Squash Tournament to the Columbus area on a permanent basis, competing in the A division. He said that squash was his favorite sport. He took great pleasure in coaching his sons' soccer and basketball teams throughout their grade school years and was a score keeper during their high school years.
Jim was not only a sports enthusiast but also an avid reader. He enjoyed playing backgammon and was an excellent card player, winning many games of Bridge.
Jim was actively involved in various boards and committees, including The Athlete Club of Columbus, the United States National Board of Squash, the Columbus Rotary Club, Congregation Beth Tikvah and was a member of the United States Golf Association. He hosted the All Sports Awards Banquet for the Touchdown Club of Columbus.
A patron of the arts, he enjoyed visiting the Columbus Art Museum, attending BalletMet performances, and listening to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. During his sons' childhood, the Columbus Zoo was a favorite weekend destination, and he also enjoyed teaching them to play golf at Worthington Hills Country Club.
Jim was a man of deep compassion and generosity, raising donations for the Mid-Ohio Food bank by wrapping Christmas gifts and organizing golf tournaments. If you needed a favor, a ride, or someone to care for your pet while you were on vacation, Jim was always there to help. His favorite saying was, "It's better to be seen than viewed."
Jim had a deep love for his family, and they were his greatest source of pride. He is survived by his devoted life partner, Sheryl Silver; their two sons, Trent and Jonathan; his brothers, Alan (Terry) and David (Cheryl); his sister, Mary Ann Schirtzinger, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His memory will be cherished by them, along with countless friends and colleagues who were touched by his kindness.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Marie Starr; his brother-in-law, David Schirtzinger; his sister-in-law and her husband Phyllis and Harry Miller and his in-laws, Elsie and Samuel Silver.
A memorial service will take place on July 14, 2025, at 3 PM at Congregation Beth Tikvah, located at 6121 Olentangy River Road, Worthington, Ohio. We invite all who knew Jim to join us in honoring and celebrating his life.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84434071081?pwd=tLSErcLPiI8YNd7yFVuDI6vzo7YdUg.1
We invite you to share your memories of Jim on his memorial page. Your stories, reflections and photos will serve as a lasting tribute to a man who brightened the world with kindness.
Funeral arrangements provided by Epstein Memorial Chapel.