James F Woofter

Canton – James F. Woofter, age 78, of Canton, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his family after a courageous 11-month battle with cancer. Born and raised in Akron, OH, and a graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary Class of 1962. After graduation, he proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal. Post Marine Corps, Jim began a lifelong purchasing career with the Timken company retiring after almost 36 years. After retirement enjoyed a career as a chauffeur at Firestone Country Club. He was a member of and he spent countless hours volunteering with Canton Jaycees, JCI Senator, Canton Rotary, Catholic Community Services of Stark County, Stark County Bicentennial Commission, Westpark Neighborhood Association and Canton Mayor’s Commission. He was Commandant of the Marine Corps League McKinley Detachment #277 and their involvement with the Toys for Tots’ program. He had a great passion for family genealogy and golf. As a forty-four-year member of the historical St. Peter Catholic Church in Canton, Jim is a man of strong Catholic Faith. He volunteered many hours and served on many church committees, including President of Parish council, leading fund drives, and serving as head usher. Jim was preceded in death by his parents John and Theora, brother William, nephew Troy, and niece Suzanne. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 44 years, Debra, son Jonathon Woofter (Juli Chikaraishi) of Buffalo, NY. son Stephen (Desirae) Woofter of Huntersville, NC. daughter Tara (Greg) Lockwood of Akron, OH. Jim is the proud Pappy of Finnegan Woofter and Delilah Lockwood, the shining lights of his life. He also leaves behind brothers Rev. Deacon Roger (Judy) Woofter of Melford, DE, John (Marilyn) Woofter of Akron, OH, and Sister-in-Law Kit Woofter of Olmsted Township, OH. Those left to cherish his memory are countless nieces and nephews. His legacy lives on in each act of kindness, volunteerism, compassion, and giving that continues in his absence. Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday at 10:00 am in St. Peter Catholic Church with the Very Reverend John E. Sheridan STL as celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will be in the veteran’s section of Sunset Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the Wackerly Funeral Home. The Marine Corps League McKinley Detachment #277 will perform a Final Salute Tuesday at 8:00 pm in the funeral home.  The McKinley Detachment #277 will stand honor for calling hours. Mask are required for all events. In lieu of flowers, Jim asks for donations to Marine Corps League of McKinley Detachment #277 P.O. Box 8375. Canton, OH 44711 or the historic St. Peter Catholic Church at 726 Cleveland Avenue NW Canton, OH 44702. A special thank you to the healthcare teams at Aultman Hospital, Palliative Care and Hospice for his care. Personal condolences are invited on line at: www.wackerlyfuneralhome.com

                                                                            (Wackerly 330 455-5235)

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