James Joseph "Jim" Kramer

James (Jim) Joseph Kramer died peacefully in Zanesville, Ohio on January 3, 2026, at the age of 80.  Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 11, 1945, to Joseph and Emma Kramer.   He is survived by his brother Jack of Lincoln, Nebraska a sister-in-law, a nephew, a niece and two grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Judy and his parents.

Jim grew up in Sabina, Ohio and graduated from Sabina High School in 1963. He graduated from Wilmington College and earned a Master's degree in education from Miami University.  Jim led a mostly uneventful, small town life in rural Ohio while growing up in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. His father owned a small business, His father knew how to make a good product. His mother knew how to run the business and manage the home.  He and his younger brother shared an interest in sports.  Their favorite baseball team was in Cleveland (you know, the one before the Guardians). The Browns were a favorite as well.  They liked to compete against each other and argue about most anything.  After college, Jim taught in the East Clinton school district his entire career, mostly at the high school. Jim coached multiple sports and worked as the Athletic Director for a while.  Mr. Kramer, and Mr. Kramer’s government class, are remembered fondly by scores of East Clinton graduates.  His classroom was a fun place to be where students felt respected.  He married his wife Judy around the time he retired from teaching. They spent many happy years together, first in Ohio and then in the Englewood, Florida area.  Jim loved his wife and enjoyed playing cards with Judy and their friends. He was a social character and made friends wherever he went.  He liked to cook and his yard to be neat and trimmed.  He was involved in sports in one way or another throughout his life - playing, watching, and coaching.  He got to be a pretty good golfer with a handicap in the single digits. Jim especially enjoyed golf if there was a little money involved in the game.

After he married Judy, Jim eventually became “grandpa” to Judy’s grandsons Devan and Schuyler.  He talked often of his fondness for the two of them and they, and their extended families, were very good to Jim.  But Judy’s extended family was never more kind, generous, gracious or loving to grandpa than they were the last ten days of his life.  They spent countless hours, day and night, by his bedside.  Although Jim was never fully conscious due to injuries from a car accident, they were there talking to him, monitoring his progress, and providing feedback and hope for family and friends.  He was a good man.  May he rest in eternal peace.  Based on Jim’s request, no funeral or reception were planned.  If you choose to honor his life in some way, please make a donation in his name to a school, charity, nonprofit or other organization of your choosing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Joseph "Jim" Kramer, please visit our floral store.