James R. Herdman, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – James R. Herdman passed away peacefully Saturday March 29, 2025, with his loving sisters at his side.
Jim was born March 7, 1955, in Youngstown. He was adopted by his parents, the late James Paul and Jean Marie Funkhouser Herdman, he was a lifelong area resident.
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He attended St. Patrick's school and graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1973.
Jim majored in music at the Dana School of Music, at Youngstown State University. His true passion in life was music, he played several instruments, enjoyed the piano, the organ and guitar.
He started working in the grocery store business with the A&P and then managed the Nemenz IGA in Deerfield.
Jim had a dream of opening his own restaurant so in 1985 he started JR's Pizza and Beer Drive Thru in Akron, he was in business for over ten years.
He moved back to the Youngstown area in 1995 and started working for DeNiro Cheese, he merchandized the store displays and worked in sales, until his retirement.
Jim and his family were Notre Dame Football fans, he always wanted to talk about ND, his other passion was that he loved dogs.
Jim married the love of his life Valerie SoFranko in September of 1997 at St. Patrick's Church, sadly she passed away January 31, 2018.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his twin sisters Jeannie (John) Mulichak of Boardman and Janet (DJ) Regan of Caledonia, MI.
He has many nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly, Jessica Costas (fiancé James LaSalandra), Jack (Thea Hischak) Mulichak, Jamie (Mitchell) Heidrich, James (Katie) Regan, Patrick (Shae) Regan, Grace (Ryan) Ulanch, Clare Regan and Donnie J. and Joey Regan. Plus, several great nieces and nephews.
He also leaves his sister-in-law Lois J. Sofranko of Poland, brother-in-law Joel (Ava) SoFranko.
Jim struggled for many years with his adoption, his life in the last few weeks was completed by meeting some members of his biological family. Jim died with peace in his heart.
The Herdman family request any material tributes be given to either the Steve E. Mulichak Memorial Scholarship, Youngstown State University 655 Wick Ave. Youngstown, Ohio 44502 or St. Patrick's Church 1420 Oak Hill Ave. Youngstown, Ohio.
Family and friends may call on Friday April 4, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fox Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman.
Prayers will be at the Fox Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial on Saturday April 5, 2025, at St. Patrick Church 1420 Oak Hill Ave. Youngstown, celebrated by Very Rev. Thomas Kraszewski.
Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery; Jim will be buried next to his wife Valerie.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James ' Jim' Ralph Herdman, please visit our floral store.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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