JAMES E. GOODWIN, SR., age 78, beloved of Joyce (nee Thomas); loving father of Marie Goodwin (Mario Simoes), James E. Jr., Colleen Kessler (Bill), Elizabeth Nousek (John), Michelle Allison (Ron) and Colin (Faith); grandfather of Natalie, Sean, Matthew, Paige, Lauren, Madyson, Seth, Rui, Riley, McKenna, Ronnie, Morgan, Billy, Anna and Ellie; great-grandfather of Noah and Ben; former husband of Priscilla (nee Eva); brother of Mary Ramacciatti (deceased) and Thomas (Dixie); uncle and great-uncle of many.  Passed away March 20, 2019.

Jim was a man of strong faith. His ever enduring love of the Lord reflected in how he cared for others his entire life. He was a devoted member of St. Patrick's West Park Parish.

One of his most beautiful gifts from God was his singing voice. As a young man, he performed in the St. John's Cathedral choir in Cleveland. This talent led him to many lead roles in musicals, as well as directing and producing musicals, throughout the Cleveland area with The Signet Players, Hanna Theater, Theater on the Mall, Cleveland Community Theater, and Cleveland Heights Musical Theater.

In 1969, he created a theater performance group called "Theatrics." This group formed the first theater in Cleveland's Warehouse District. In 1972, he joined a political satire performance group, called "Nelson's Follies." This show, which was in production for 22 years, was a tremendous success and was the longest running show in Cleveland Play House history. He also was a cherished and dedicated member of the Hermit Club and performed in many of their musical productions.

Professionally, Jim started his career with the Cleveland Society for the Blind, and eventually led the organization as Executive Director. He dedicated 22 years of his life and heart to serve the blind. After leaving the Cleveland Society for the Blind, he became Vice President of Lake View Cemetery Foundation and Director of Sales & Marketing. He experienced great joy working for Lake View Cemetery. He loved serving grieving families as well as preserving the historical significance and beauty of the cemetery.

Jim's community engagements were considerable. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Alta House, Sign Stage Theatre, Cleveland Play House Men's Committee, St. Anthony's Library Company (Founding Member), Dunham Tavern Museum, Early Settlers of the Western Reserve, FBI Citizens Academy Foundation of Cleveland (Founding Member), U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Northern Ohio Hate Crimes Working Group, United Way and many others.

Throughout all of his accomplishments, his most significant role was that of father. He was a man who showed great patience and love for all of his children and grandchildren. He was giving and kind and quick to forgive. His life reflected daily the love of the Lord and taught all of us the importance of faith, love and family. He was the anchor of our family and he will be missed every hour of every day until we meet again in heaven.

Funeral Mass Monday, March 25, St. Patrick Church (West Park) at 10 A.M.  Interment St. Joseph Cemetery (Avon). Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS, SUNDAY 1-5 P.M.    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family would be sincerely appreciated.