James R. Liddle Sr. 1945-2024

Jim was born July 3, 1945, to his parents Eloise and Ralph Liddle. His two great loves were his family and his farm. He began farming with his dad and his grandfather, Ralph and Chester, as soon as he could walk: so small that they would put a board taped to the gas pedal just so he could reach.

After high school, he served in the 6th Marines Division as an M.P., was stationed at Guantanamo Bay and was involved in the Santo Domingo Conflict during the Cuban Crisis from 1963-1967.

He married the love of his life, Sophia Elizabeth Lezaic on Dec. 19, 1970. They had three beautiful children together: Nicole Marie (Davis) Denman, Victoria Emily (Fred) Barr and James Ralph (Katie) Liddle Jr.

After he retired from Packard Electric, he dedicated his time fully again to his farm. Jim was also very passionate about his family. There is absolutely nothing he would not have done for any of them. He enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events, from their soccer and basketball games — where he would always be giving them pointers afterwards — to seeing his granddaughters play in their Pep Band. His favorite was always “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones. He really missed not being able to attend his three grandsons’ football and baseball games in South Carolina, as baseball was his favorite sport.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Sophia Liddle; his children, Victoria (Fred) Barr and James (Katie) Liddle Jr.; his son-in-law, Davis Denman Jr.; his sister, Joan (Bill) Armstrong; brother-in-law John Chucksa; and grandchildren, Julia and Laura Denman, Jesse and Nicholas Bar, and Mac, Bose, and Deke Liddle. He will also be missed by many dear friends: Scott, Nate, Steve, Rick, Jimmy, as well as his nephew who became a dear friend who was always there for him, Mark Dobay.

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Nicole Liddle Denman; his parents, Eloise and Ralph Liddle; his sister, Linda Liddle Cowell; nephews, Greg Dobay and John Chucksa; his sister-in-law,Linda Chucksa; and his mother and father-in-law, Mildred and John Chucksa. Jim is also preceded in death by his dogs who he loved dearly and spent many hours with: Sheppy, Rex, Angel, Sam, Duke Lambert, Chuckie and Angel II.

I would also like to personally thank the thoughtful nurses at Trumbull Memorial that treated my husband like family, as well as the compassionate and kind nurses at Hospice of the Valley.

He will be cremated per his wishes.

There will be no calling hours. Instead, a Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, with lunch and fellowship to follow at Living Water Global Methodist Church with Pastor Ron McIlvaine officiating.

He was the pillar of our family and we will really miss him. He always thought he was responsible for us all. Knowing he is no longer in pain or suffering, and can now be with Jesus and his loving daughter Nicole, brings all of us who loved him most peace and comfort.

Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com

(special notice)