James Curtis Donathan

James C. Donathan, age 66, Jefferson, died Friday morning at his residence with family by his side under hospice care.

He was born October 15, 1951 in Cleveland, the son of Lewis A. & Elsie M. (Kanode) Donathan and has lived most of his life in this area.  Jim was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, serving in Panama during the Vietnam Era.  Jim married Phylis J. Billock on May 10, 1980 at the Bolindale Nazarene Church in Warren.  Jim was a head surveyor for the Ashtabula Co. Engineers Office where he served over 30 years.

While at the University of Akron, Jim ran Cross Country.  Jim was active with the Boy Scouts, serving as Scout Leader for 15 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and planting trees.  Jim was involved with the Jefferson Ski Club, enjoyed fishing, canoeing and cycling.  He was involved with multiple mission trips with the Jefferson United Methodist Church and served Habitat for Humanity.  He volunteered with the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge committee.  Jim was a blood donor with the American Red Cross, surpassing the 50-gallon mark.  His greatest joy was being a loving father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Phylis; two children, Josh C. (Carly) Donathan of Brecksville & Joy M. (Claudio) Ciampi of Oceanside, CA; three grandchildren, Grace, Molly & Everly; his mother, Elsie Donathan of Jefferson and four siblings, Bobbie (Nancy) Donathan of Austinburg Twp. and Juanita Adkins, Louie Donathan & Barbara Donathan, all of Jefferson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Donathan and a sister-in-law, Jennifer Donathan.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 4:00 P. M.  at the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene, 55 E. Satin St., Jefferson with Pastor Rodney Kincaid officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Boy Scout Troop #41, c/o Scott Allen, 1682 St. Rt. 46 North,  Jefferson, OH  44047.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva are honored to serve the James Donathan family.  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences or light a candle.

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