James A. "Jim" Deaner

James A. “Jim” Deaner age 89 of Mentor, died Thursday August 23, 2018 at Symphony of Mentor, in Mentor. He was born April 22, 1929 in Caldwell, WV. Mr. Deaner was a self-employed auto repair mechanic for 15 years. After that he worked at the former Towmotor in Mentor for 19 years. He was a member of the Mentor Masonic Lodge #772. James was the patriarch of a large, fun-loving family and set the precedent of living life to the fullest. A lifelong jokester with a mischievous sparkle in his eye, he loved making others laugh and never met a stranger who didn’t eventually become a friend. His home was always open to visitors and his warm, jovial spirit helped friends always feel welcome. He had a way of relating to all kinds of people. A man of many talents, he was a skilled craftsman, creating furniture, game boards and novelties. An eternal optimist until the end, among his final words were “what a beautiful day...” He loved kids, especially his great-grandchildren and loved teasing them all. Survivors include his children: Michael (Jackie) Deaner, Michelle “Mickey” (Don) Kastning, grandchildren: Nicole (Shawn) Longaker, Adam (Angie) Kastning, great-grandchildren: Cash & Colbie Longaker, Colton & Lux Kastning, siblings: Betty Neely, Helen Long, Bonnie Utley and sister in law: Judy Deaner. Preceding James in death is his wife of 65 years: Mary Ellen (Housholder) Deaner, his parents: Lonnie and Mary Deaner, siblings: Mary “Kay” Carpenter, Evelyn Armstrong, Robert and Melvin Deaner and his dog: “Omar”. The funeral service will be 5 pm Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH. The family will receive friends from 3-5 pm Wednesday August 29, 2018 at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will be in Mentor Cemetery, Mentor. Thank you to all that prayed with us; may we all find peace and strength in letting go. Life is a gift, to live is an opportunity, to grow older is a privilege. Take the good roads. Contributions may be made in his honor to the Lake Humane Society, 7564-E Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

James A. "Jim" Deaner

April 22, 1929 - August 23, 2018