Dr. James E. Pesicek, a lifelong resident of Garrettsville, passed away on August 23, 2019. Jim was born on December 13, 1934 to the late James J. Pesicek and France M. Gheen in Shalersville. His family moved to Freedom Station where he grew up with his brother Jerry Pesicek.
Jim loved sports, music and was especially fond of polkas. He was a member of the first class to graduate James A Garfield High School in 1952. He excelled in football, basketball and track. He took great pride in being elected to the Inaugural Class of the Garfield Hall of Fame in 2007.
After high school he continued to play football for HIram College as a quarterback. He graduated from Hiram College with a bachelor of Science degree, and subsequently graduated from Case Western School of Dentistry.
In 1961 Jim opened his dental practice in Garrettsville. He was know as Doc by generations of friends and community members whom he sang and whistled to for more than forty years. Jim was an avid golfer and fisherman, spending time on many local courses and taking numerous trips to Canada. Jim loved to can vegetables grown in his garden and he also enjoyed spending time in his backyard with his four-legged companion, Tooey.
Jim is survived by his children, Glenn (Robyn) Pesicek, Jami (Terry) Ross, James E. Pesicek Jr., Michael (Carrie Kraft) Pesicek, and his brother Jerry (Susie Cain) Pesicek. Jim was lovingly known as “PaPa Duker” to his ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his youngest son Edwin Lee Pesicek (2000) and granddaughter Tera Marie Ross (2003).
Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life service at the Garrettsville United Methodist Church at 11 am on Saturday, August 31, 2019. Prior to the service, at 10 the family will receive friends at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation, in Jim’s name to the Garrettsville United Methodist Church.
