Melle, Jim.

Al Rhodes and Don Markusic both remember Jim. Al says: 'I went to Saint Joseph Collinwood Grade School with Jim. One of my most memorable times with Jim was when we were on the CYO football team during the 1956 season.  There was a weight limit of 110 pounds to be allowed to play in the games. We were weighed in before each of the 7 games we played that year.  Jim was so close to that weight he would not eat the day before each game.  On the day of each game, he had to strip down to his underwear before being weighed to prove he made the weight.  He must have weighed 109 pounds and 15 ounces because he played every game. We went 4-2-1 that season and Jim was a big part of our success. (Needless to say, Binks couldn't play because he was already too big). I was also one of seven kids in the Rhodes family.  We lived near the Melle family before both families move to the Collinwood area.  May Jim rest in peace.' -Al Rhodes

Don (Bazook) says: 'I've known Jim for over 70 years. We went to grade school and high school together. He was in my wedding party and when I moved down to Columbus 40 years ago we still played golf at 80 . Enjoyed going to lunch with Jim .One of many thoughts I have on Jim. He was very informative but he also had a great sense of humor. You can ask the guys who played golf with us . I'm gonna miss him as a true friend . RIP Jim.' -Don Bazook Markusic

Obituary for Jim Melle: On April 6th, 2024 our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather went home to be with the Lord, peacefully surrounded by his family. After a nearly year long battle with cancer, which he courageously fought in his usual selfless manner, his suffering ended at Kobacher.

James was born in Cleveland , Ohio on October 29, 1943 to Sophie and Emil (both deceased). He was one of seven children, Melvin (Lois), Gary (Mary Joan), Lois (Tony) (both deceased), Ermin (Pat), Monica (Danny), and Maryanne (Michael). He leaves behind his wife of 55 years Barbara Ellen (Nee Coyne), his daughters, Annie Aulert (Daniel), Kathleen Thornton (John), and son James. He also leaves behind his loving grandchildren James, Claire, Kate, Aisling, Addison, Sam and Caleb.

He attended St. Joseph High School and John Carroll where he met his bride, Barbara. He then went to on to have an illustrious law career after he graduated from then Capitale Law in Cleveland Marshall College of law. His impact on the law literally can be felt throughout the State of Ohio. From his clerkship at the Federal Court in Cleveland, to Clerk for the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court in Columbus, to his work for Governor Gilligan, followed by extensive private practice work at both The Lucas Law Firm and Buckley King. His legal work impacted so many throughout the 88 counties in Ohio.  His imprint on the law will be indelible. In addition to his accomplishments as an attorney he was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He was blessed with immense integrity in all facets of his life, a heart of gold, an infectious smile, and a great sense of humor. Everyone valued his opinion and knowledge and turned to him for advice. He loved traveling with family, fishing, and often surprised many with his disco dancing when he felt inspired. He was the life of the party without even trying.  He also was extremely well read and skilled in the art of debate on current events, sports, politics, the stock market, and journalism. He never shied away from providing his insight on any topic. His intelligence, wit, generous spirit, and humor will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Peach Church on April 19, 2024 at 11:30am. 20 E. Dominion Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Visitation to be held from 10:00-11:30 am in the church gathering space. Reception to follow at Nationwide Conference Centre. Burial at All Souls Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio on April 20 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kobacker House.
Posted By: Administrator - 04-22-2024
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