James E. Gyulai, 73 years of age, passed away Saturday June 20, 2020 at UH-Portage Medical Center in Ravenna. Jim was born on March 15, 1947 at the family home in Garrettsville, the son of the late Louis and Anna (Kovach) Gyulai, Sr. He continued to be a lifetime Garrettsville resident, a 1965 graduate of James A. Garfield High School, and was a self-employed truck driver and mechanic. Jim served his country with honor in the U.S.Army during the Vietnam Era
Jim’s greatest passions were his family (especially his grandchildren) and JAG sports. Jim was dubbed “The G-Men’s Greatest Fan” and attended nearly every football and basketball game while living in Garrettsville. He was a fixture in the community, and when he wasn’t at a sports event (with a hot dog and Pepsi in hand), you could find him enjoying food and gossip at the bowling alley or Cal’s. Jim had a boisterous sense of humor and a selfless, kind demeanor that will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family welcomes contributions in Jim’s memory to the Jim Gyulai Memorial Fund at Middlefield Bank made payable through the James A. Garfield Athletic Boosters. Donations may also be made via the James A. Garfield Board of Education Office.
On February 13, 1999, he married Judi (Tamburro) Gyulai who survives at their home. Also surviving are his children Jason (Christine) Downey of Stow, Brian Gyulai, Michelle (Shawn) Thompson of Colorado, and Samantha Martin of Cleveland. His brother Louis (Marge) Gyulai, Jr. of Brimfield, and grandchildren Adelyne, Eliana, Brooke, Liam and Ava also survive. He was preceded in death by one sister Matilda Varga.
There will be no calling hours. A private funeral and burial service will be held at Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, where military honors will take place by the U.S. Army Honor Guard, assisted by members of Mantua American Legion Post No. 193.
Arrangements are by the Green Family Funeral Home & Crematory Service in Mantua, where condolences and memories may be viewed at www.greenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
