James "Jimmy" Gentile

James “Jimmy” Gentile, 80, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 24th, 2019 at Dearwood Assisted Living Facility, Eau Claire Wisconsin.  James was born May 29, 1939 in Youngstown, son of Angeline (Pruce) and Pasquale Gentile. After graduating from Struthers High School, James served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the helicopter carrier U.S.S. Boxer (LPH 30) during the early to middle 1960’s.  Upon leaving the service he attended technical trade school learning to become an electrical engineer and graduating with honors.  He went on to work on large scale projects for both Ohio Edison and the Duquesne Light Company of Pennsylvania.  One of the more notable projects he worked included wiring the Shippingport Nuclear Power Station which was the world’s first nuclear power generation plant.  He also worked on wiring the former Richfield Coliseum near Cleveland in addition to other large and small scale projects throughout his career. On March 11, 1967 James married the former Linda R. Tilley, and in December, 1969 they had their first and only child, Elizabeth Gentile. James enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting and fishing when time allowed. While growing up at home he would often help his father keep wildlife from invading the large family garden.  He would take his daughter and several of his nephews on fishing trips on weekends off.  Many fond memories were made of the family picnics and fishing expeditions at Pymatuning Reservoir in Pymatuning State Park.  He inherited his father’s green thumb and enjoyed planting a garden and growing garlic, peppers, and tomatoes in the Italian tradition while living in Ohio. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, the former Linda Ruth Tilley who passed away March 21, 2007.  He was also preceded in death by his three older brothers, Samuel (former wife Viola), Joseph (Stella), and Frank (Helen, “Hermine”) Gentile. James leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Michael Morris, nephew Gary (Toni) Gentile, all of Statesville, NC, niece Sharon “Sandy” Gentile of Woodland Park, CO, nephew Ronald (Cindy) Knafels of Rockville, MD, niece Karen (George) Soldo of Massillon, OH, niece Sharon Gentile, sister Caroline Knafels, sister-in-law Helen “Hermine” Gentile, niece Catherine Breneman (Knafels), and nephew Mark Knafels, all of Youngstown, OH, and nieces Cindy Gentile and Debbie (Chris) Kust and nephews Joey and Patrick Gentile all of Campbell, OH. Per his wishes James elected cremation.  A celebration of James’ life will be held at noon on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Western Avenue Baptist Church, 1206 Museum Rd, Statesville, NC 28625.  A reception at the Church will follow after the service for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to Habitat of for Humanity of Iredell County, Gideon Bibles or The Nature Conservancy. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Jimmy Gentile.