James E. Reahle

NILES - James Edward Reahle, 91, went to heaven on September 19th 2026, at St Joe’s Hospital in Warren, OH.

He was born to Ernest and Mary Reahle on October 22, 1934, in his lifelong home, in Niles, OH.

James was raised during the depression in a spiritually devote Christian, Italian-American home. He was the middle child of Grace and Ernest. He graduated from Niles McKinley High School and had three children: Dennis, Denise, and James Jr. James who grew up in California. After James, his friend and sister’s husband died, he tried to help his sister more and saw himself as a father figure to Diana, Jim and John.

James worked at Packard Electric as an electrician. Prior to that, he assisted the war efforts by contracting with the US Airforce in Greenland and developing bombs out west. After retiring, he devoted much time to furthering his education at YSU where he earned a BA of fine arts. He became a painter, film photographer and life model.

He loved thoughtful conversation and had a sense of humor that included practical jokes. He was excellent at fixing cars, machinery and electrical systems. He enjoyed his life as a pilot, taking joy rides from local airports and flying up parachuters in Ravenna. He was captain of his boat, “The Gypsy Wind,” on Lake Erie. He loved taking his nephews boating and flying. He boxed in his youth and as an adult, competed in Fred Astaire ballroom dance.

As he got older, James lived a humble, private life to be closer to God. He always remained devoted to his faith, the Holy Spirit and life long learning.

He loved music, scholarly reading, going to his sister’s daily for home cooked meals and going out on the strip for “gourmet food,” which was always Italian. He played the bass guitar in local bands. He also played the keyboard and was working on songwriting. He was gifted with intelligence and the strength to keep his independence and faith in all circumstances. He was thankful and proud of his family. He would say “to find God, look to nature” and prayed “to live in the Holy Spirit.”

He is survived by his children: Dennis (Pam) Reahle, James (Rozanne) Reahle Jr, four granddaughters, one great grandson and one great granddaughter, his niece: Diana (Dave) Fowler, great nieces: Erin and Aurora Fowler, nephews: James Brenneman II and John Brenneman and great nephew: James Brenneman III. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ernest Reahle, sister Grace Brenneman and daughter Denise.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ernest Reahle, sister Grace Brenneman and daughter Denise

He will be laid to rest Friday, September 25 at 1:30pm at Pineview Cemetery in Warren, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested material tributes take the form of donations to St. Joseph Hospital of Warren Mission Fund.

Professional services are being held by Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel.