Name: Visitation for James E. Sipe
Start: 2021-01-29T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-01-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Donovan Funeral Home - Tallmadge

James E. Sipe, 89, passed away January 25, 2021. Born in Akron, James had lived in the Tallmadge area for most of his life. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. James retired in 1991 from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. with 38 years of service and was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church. James volunteered for the Red Cross, where he was a life blood donor. His passion for swimming was well known and he also taught swimming for a time. He enjoyed playing the harmonica at area nursing homes, and when he became a resident of Rockynol, he continued playing to the delight of both residents and staff. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Margaret; sisters, Evelyn and Dorothy; brothers: Barrett, Wilbur, Jack, David, and Paul. James is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Sandra (Richard) Carlsen of California; sons: Steven E. Sipe, Thomas A. Sipe, and Daniel J. Sipe, all of Tallmadge; grandchildren: Tracie (Alex), Erin (Mark), Joseph (Sierra), Amber, and Tim; great-granddaughters, Haven and Baylee; sisters, Sarah (Frank) Hagenbush of Wadsworth, and Marquerite (John) Stolfo of Cuyahoga Falls. Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2021 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 30th at 11:30 a.m. Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols such as physical distancing and the wearing of masks or other facial coverings will be required for the safety of all. Since Church seating capacity is limited, the Mass will be live streamed on the Parish's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourladyofvictorychurchtallmadge. Interment will take place at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Published by Akron Beacon Journal from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Sipe

Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.

4 Entries

Cynthia Elkins

January 30, 2021

The lovely memories I will have of a gentle person I only knew while my mother was at Rockynol as well. We had the pleasure of listening to Jim play his hymns on his harmonica. I will never forget him, and it gave my mother some beautiful moments, for which she did not have many there. She will be in the heavenly music room to greet Jim as well. Sympathies to your families, I am sure he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather!

Patricia Logston

January 28, 2021

Was heartbroken to hear James passed but blessed to have known him as many others would say the same he was special to many
I called him “harmonica Jim “he loved his family and talked about them James and I became friends when I was in Rockynol for therapy two months we shared breakfast lunch and dinner we use to sing while he played beautiful harmonica “some where over the rainbow “ one of my favorite and we stayed in touch even after I returned home Nov 2019 we stayed in touch Julie and I went and visited him around Christmas befor the Pandemic started we also visited James through a window and took a video because he was unwell he still playing harmonica we talked often by phone and I will miss his story’s and songs he was so sweet to everyone and cared about others and I know he is in heaven smiling and singing and playing a golden harmonica our last conversation was special we talked about good old times memories and we ended our conversation by phone with a song we use to sing “keep on the sunny side keep on the sunny side of life”James was loved by so many and I can’t tell ya how many people would come up and say they really looked forward to hearing him play at mealtime he was so kind to everyone and sweet I adore him and will miss him so much as many people will miss him but I have been blessed to know him and he will be forever remembered god bless his children and wife Mary you are all in our thoughts and prayers may your many memories bring you comfort and peace
Deepest sympathy
Patti and Julie

Julie Villalovos

January 28, 2021

Uncle Jimmy- a humble, lovely, kind man, God filled Mentor, my Godfather who I looked up to He and his wonderful wife, Mary were Mentors to many. Barrett, Jimmy’ brother and my father always said “What a great guy”. My deepest sympathy and love sent to all. Julie

The Staff of Donovan Funeral Home

January 28, 2021

We appreciate you trusting us with the care of your loved one at this difficult time.

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