James Edelman

1959 - 2024

James Edelman

03/18/1959 - 07/26/2024

James (Jim) L. Edelman, born March 18, 1959 at Riverside Hospital, to parents Nancy L. Edelman and Russell D. Edelman of Toledo, Ohio, died July 26, 2024, surrounded by his three children.

If this is published I must have passed. I grew up in the North End of Toledo, along with two sisters, Karen (Bob) Woods and Linda (John) Pezzino. We had plenty of things to do in the area; bike riding, camping on the islands in Maumee Bay, marshes, creeks, and ravines to explore, along with go karts and mini bikes to keep busy. My Dad was a partner in a Point Place outboard repair shop on the Ottawa River. I spent many Saturdays there, we always had a boat in the water. I attended Macomber High School and graduated in 1977. My first real job was at Phil's TV through the Macomber co-op program. After that I worked for local contractors and auto repair shops until I got a job at Star Vending in 1978 and worked there until 1983. I worked for some other local vending companies and then went back to Star Vending. I was appointed to Toledo Fire and Rescue in September of 1989. It was the best job ever and I was there until September of 2009, at which point I had to retire on disability.

I was started early by my Dad on duck hunting and Canadian bush trips and I continued both as long as I was able to. I have done lots of fishing in my life, many times with my kids. I also hunted for meat, harvesting everything from moose to wild hogs. We always had meat and fish. The hunting and fishing I did ranged from Florida to Northern Ontario.

I was married to Lori Solly and we had three children who have all done well. I tried to spend as much time as I could with them when they were growing up.

Amanda (Andy) Mayers, Amy (Scott) Taylor, and Andrew (Meghan) Edelman. Both Amy and Andrew followed in my footsteps and are now Toledo Firefighters. Amanda went into the legal field. I was blessed with four grandchildren, Henry, Clara, Dorothy, and Mabel and was affectionately known as Papa Jim.

My girlfriend was Sue Finelli-Lockamy and we have been together since Memorial Day 2012.

I was preceded in death by my parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 27, 2024 at The Ward Pavilion at Wildwood Metropark, 4830 Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43615 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the Last Alarm Memorial Service commencing at 6 p.m.