James M Warren

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James M. Warren, 91, of Copley, Ohio, on February 27, 2025. Jim will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, especially those in Ohio, Michigan, and Kansas.

Born on February 2, 1934, Jim’s remarkable journey through life began in the small farming community of Eskridge, Kansas. In his formative years, Jim’s playground was the Flint Hills country of Kansas, where he was routinely found hunting, fishing, playing sports, or assisting his father with raising cattle.

While Jim’s work later in life took him across the world, his heart never left Eskridge. Jim never ran out of stories from his childhood growing up in Kansas; whether he was checking his muskrat traps before heading off to school, visiting the cattle auction with his dad, or officiating an intense basketball game in front of a raucous crowd.

It was in Eskridge where Jim met the love of his life, Jerri. Jerri caught Jim’s eye in grade school, and from then on, he never stood a chance. Whether he was sneaking away from his friends to sit next to Jerri at the movie theater or making his way to Emporia State College just to be near her, his love for her was unwavering. After graduating, Jim and Jerri married on May 27, 1957. For the next 68 years, Jim’s eyes would light up whenever Jerri entered the room. Even as he began to slow down, he never missed a chance to take Jerri’s hand and lead her to the dance floor, often receiving a shoutout as the longest-married couple at their grandchildren’s weddings.

Jim began his distinguished 41-year career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka, Kansas. His work took him and his family to Venezuela, Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Canada—experiences he loved sharing with his children. Rising to become Goodyear’s top negotiator, Jim retired as the Director of Global Labor Relations. His success was a testament to his dedication, honesty, dependability, and integrity—values deeply rooted in his Kansas upbringing. He instilled these same values in his children and grandchildren, shaping their lives as he had shaped his own.

In addition to his professional career, Jim and Jerri built a thriving craft business, designing and creating silverware chimes and jewelry. Their work was sold at arts and craft shows, boutiques, and even online with the help of their grandson. Well into his late 80s, Jim continued making chimes, spoon rings, and other jewelry, a testament to his creativity and work ethic.

A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Jim’s love for the game was evident in every stage of his life—whether playing, coaching, officiating, or cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted fan of Michigan State and Kansas basketball, he rarely missed a game. Beyond basketball, he was an avid golfer, enjoying annual trips to southern courses with friends. His golf swing and his jump shot remained “pure” throughout his lifetime, and he delighted in sharing moments on the course or the court with his family. He and Jerri also cherished playing bridge, sharing countless evenings of laughter and camaraderie with their bridge group.

One of Jim’s great passions throughout his life was raising Black Angus cattle in Eskridge. When his father passed away, Jim felt a deep responsibility to continue his father’s legacy, and he honored this for his entire life, even while living across the country. His cousin, George Warren was an integral part of his farming operation and Jim “loved him like a brother” and appreciated George for his dedication and loyalty over the years. Jim’s brand, the “Lazy J”, became known throughout the Flint Hills for its high-quality cattle, a reflection of Jim’s hard work and pride in his roots.

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. His world revolved around his family, and his greatest joy was taking care of those he loved. His wisdom, kindness, and humor will live on through his family, an enduring legacy of his love and strength.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Geraldine (“Jerri”) Warren; his children, Jeff, Jana, Jim Stewart (son-in-law), and Jimmy; his grandchildren, Stefanie, Matt, Tyler, Ally, Anna, Danny, and Lizzy; and many great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita (“Nita”) and James (“Sug”) Warren; his in-laws, Thelma and Virgil Wall; his sisters, Darlene Kelley and Elaine Johnson; his brothers-in-law, Allan Wall, Leigh Johnson, and Bill Kelley; his granddaughter, Jamie; and his beloved dogs, Jake and Jazzy. His memory will also be cherished by his nephew, Larry Wall, who helped Jim with the farm and always knew where to find the biggest fish, his sister-in-law, Phyllis Wall, and his many other nieces and nephews.

Per Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be planned in the near future. In honor of Jim’s lifelong love for basketball and his hometown, donations may be made via check to the Eskridge Park Foundation to upgrade the basketball courts in the park across the street from Jim’s childhood home. The address is PO Box 215 Eskridge, Kansas, 66423. Please write Jim Warren on the memo line. You may also donate online at www.eskridgepark.org/donate and again please specify for Jim Warren. We would like to thank Brookdale Meridian Memory Care for the love and care they provided for Jim and Jerri over the last few months.