James T. Zofchak

JAMES T. ZOFCHAK, age 87, passed away on September 25, 2023.

James was born on December 5, 1935, in Edinburg, Ohio, where he developed his lifelong love of animals and the outdoors growing up on the family farm. He graduated from East Tech High School and Indiana Institute of Technology. James was an accomplished mechanical engineer with multiple patents. He worked at Addressograph Multigraph for many years, where he met his devoted wife Carol, to whom he was married for 61 years.  He retired from General Electric.

James’ curiosity and keen intellect drove all his interests, many of which were self-taught. Jim’s main passion was woodworking, where he turned fallen trees into one-of-a-kind pieces of art which were exhibited and sold in local art shows and galleries. He was a frequent performer at multiple local theaters, serving as the lead and supporting actor in countless musicals, dramas, and comedies. Jim also enjoyed golfing, sailing, reading, and gardening and took great pleasure in making people laugh with his unlimited repertoire of jokes.

James could build almost anything, whether a canoe and sailboat with his father, go-kart for his son Michael, rabbit hutches for his daughter Sharon, Adirondack chair for his daughter Linda, or cradle for his niece. He constantly embraced his curiosity and challenged himself with new experiences, including making wine and cider with his self-made press, obtaining his scuba diving certification, riding jump seat in historical biplanes, and experimenting with new gardening methods, among countless other interests.  James was also generous with his time, performing volunteer work for decades with a variety of organizations, including as a RedCoat with the Cleveland Playhouse Square for over 20 years, coast guard assistant at the Cleveland Division of Watercraft, and boating instructor for the city of Mentor, where he enjoyed teaching boating and kayaking courses.

James is survived by his loving wife Carol (nee Schroeder); son Michael (wife Susan), daughters Sharon Champa (husband Michael) and Linda Spencer (husband David); and grandchildren Matthew and Abigail Zofchak, Amanda and Adam Champa, and Jordan and Colin Spencer. He was predeceased by father George and mother Anna (nee Yarolin); and his dear sister Dorothy Lisy (James).  He will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

Visitation October 14, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM followed immediately by a prayer service at 12:00 PM at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91). Contributions may be made in memory of James to the Alzheimer’s Association or Holden Forests & Gardens. Online obituary, guestbook, contribution information, and flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com.