James R. Kehres Jr.

Jim was born in Alliance, Ohio, the oldest of five children to Helen and James “Bob” Kehres on April 1, 1945. He graduated from Southeast High School (Palmyra, Ohio) in 1963, where he met his wife of 58 years, Joy. After graduation, Jim began his professional career working as a Project Manager in the engineering department at Goodyear in Akron, Ohio. In 1978, Jim joined his good friend Bob Handelman at Chemstress Consulting Company. His distinguished career at Chemstress culminated with him rising to the position of President, retiring after nearly 40 years of service.

Known as Big Jim to all those close to him, he excelled as a three-sport varsity high school athlete and his love for all sports continued throughout his life. Jim was a die-hard Cleveland sports fan, and one of his greatest enjoyments in life was sharing that passion with his children and grandchildren. He was never shy about being a “sideline head coach” for all his children and grandchildren throughout their sporting engagements. Jim was also a constant at home and away Mount Union football games, coached by his younger brother Larry.

Jim is survived by his wife Joy; his children, Holly Farah (Ziad), Carey Krocker (David), Aimee Novak (Geoff), Rob Kehres, Megan Frecka (Jason), and Ryan Kehres (Amanda); his grandchildren Sophie (Raleigh), Alex, Carson, Claire, Hayden, Ava, Tatum, Ryder, Mason, Kate, Taylor, Lauren, Zack, Logan, Mallory and his soon-to-be first great-granddaughter. Jim is also survived by his four siblings: Larry Kehres (Linda), Kim Veverka (Joe), Doug Kehres (Betsy), and Renee Heitkamp (Jim). He was preceded in death by his parents, James (Bob) Kehres and Helen Kehres.

Calling hours will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral home in Ravenna, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment will follow immediately after at West Cemetery, Palmyra, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Haven of Rest Ministries, Haven of Rest, 175 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio, 44308.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.