James (Jim) A. Patonai

PENINSULA - James A. “Jim” Patonai, 76, died February 18, 2023, after a short battle with cancer.

Jim was born February 18, 1947, in Akron, Ohio. Spending most of his adult life as a resident of Akron, prior to moving to Peninsula in 2022, he was a longtime resident in Norton, Ohio.

Jim had been employed with Schwebel’s Bakery as a sales driver, retiring in 2004. He enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, deer hunting, fishing, gardening, canning, and going to the casino, drinking beer, and telling stories was an art form to Jim. He had colorful nicknames for his closest friends; and you know who you are! He never met a stranger and always made those he met feel good to have met him. He had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party.

He was blessed to have had what he referred to as his two great loves in his life; both of whom preceded him in death; Rebecca Patonai and Stacy Lowe. Also preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Parsons; sister, Barbara Sunyez, and great-granddaughter, Rebecca Fullerton.

He is survived by his daughters, Kim (Jack) Malin and Kimberly Knepp; sons, Jim (Melissa) Patonai, Kevin Patonai, Tim Orolin, and Mark (Renee) Orolin; grandchildren, Kyle Knepp, Kamryn Patonai, Lily Patonai, Andrew (Carly) Fullerton, and Jon (Nicole) Fullerton; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Landon, and Olivia Fullerton; cousin, Cathy Patonai; brother-in-law, John Sunyez, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Private graveside services will be held.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Falls Cancer Club, fallscancerclub.org