James B. Austin

James B. Austin, loving brother, husband, father of three and grandfather of four, passed away Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, surrounded by his children. He was 74 years old.

James grew up in Eastlake, in the 1950s and 1960s, the eldest son of Gerald and Josephine (nee Frey) Austin. His father was a World War II veteran who flew gliders into occupied Europe, and his mother was an elementary school teacher.

James’ childhood was that of a bygone Rockwellian era — his summers were spent playing baseball, fishing and hunting squirrels with his brother, Snick, his dog, Rex, and the neighborhood boys. It was the post-war America that bred self-reliance, fierce loyalty, lifelong friendships and more so than anything else, a moral compass that guided him throughout his life.

After graduating from Hawken School, where each of his three children followed in his footsteps, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree at the College of Wooster.

Jim was a son of Cleveland and the arc of his life mirrored that of the city itself. After starting his career as a floor manager in the steel mills that defined the Cleveland of his youth, Jim continued to grow. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University.

Though he might have rather become a professor, he joined his wife in building their small, family accounting practice in Chesterland, the wholesome small-town where they chose to raise their family.

Family was always the most important aspect of James’ life. He met his wife, Karen M.N. Austin (nee Niedermeyer), in 1976. They were married in 1979 and they welcomed three children, Timothy, Alexandra and Ben in the years that followed.

James poured his heart and soul into raising his children and he was ever-present in their upbringing. What most will remember of James was that he never missed one of his children’s sporting events (and that it was somehow understood that the rules about parents remaining in the stands just did not apply to him; his place was on the sideline closest to the team).

However, his focus extended much further, in particular to education and integrity. He always said that education is the one thing in life that no one can take away from you, and that the most valuable asset you will ever own is your integrity.

Later in life, reflecting on the years past, James would tell those he loved that being a dad was the greatest privilege and pleasure of his life. In his own way, it was a reminder to never forget to enjoy the here and now, as it is all that is promised.

James could not have been more excited to meet his grandchildren, Bryce, Kensington, Brooks and Saylor. The grandkids quickly learned that ‘Grandpa Jim’ was the guy to call if they needed their toys assembled or if they wanted to sneak a milkshake. He took great pleasure in watching the grandkids play, swim, sail and play tennis.

James is survived by his three children, Ben, Alexandra and Timothy (Arianna) Austin; his brother, Richard (Caroline) Austin; and his four grandchildren, Bryce, Kensington, Brooks and Saylor Austin.

The family welcomed visitors at Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Feb. 12, 2025. The funeral service also was held at Gattozzi & Son on Feb. 13, 2025, with internment at Chester Township Cemetery to follow.