James J. Staufeneger

Leetonia- James Jerry Staufeneger, age 79, of Leetonia, died with his family by his side on Monday, April 11, 2016 at Blossom Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Salem, after a courageous 15 year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on March 7, 1937 in Ferndale Michigan, a son of the late Ernest R. and Demarres Young Staufeneger.

James was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Salem. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served as an MP. James worked as a tool and die maker for General Motors Lordstown for 33 years, retiring in 2005. He was of member of the UAW local 1714 where he had served as a Committeeman. He was a co-founder and owner of Staufeneger Tool and Die in Salem and was a teacher at the Salem Trade Extension where he taught Machine Tool Tech.

He is survived by his wife, the former, Carol Kluth, whom he married May 21, 1960; two sons, John (Shelley) Staufeneger of Howland and Michael Staufeneger of Leetonia; a step grandson Brian (Trisha) Bell of Warren; two sisters, Deborah Staufeneger of East Liverpool and Bonna (Dennis) Harrold of Heath; a step great granddaughter, Kylie Bell and a step great grandson, Preston Bell.

James was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Staufeneger.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 14, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2016, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Aimee Raymond officiating.

Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery, Leetonia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com