James Augustine William Kiriazis, Austintown, Ohio
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – James Augustine William 'Jim' Kiriazis, 72 of Austintown, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boardman after battling years of illness.
Born on March 31, 1952, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jim was the son of James and Isabel Fernandez Kiriazis.
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He graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1970 and earned a bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University and a master's degree from Kent State University.
Jim dedicated his life to serving others. He spent 25 years working for the Bureau of Workers' Compensation for the State of Ohio and contributed to prominent political campaigns. However, his true passion was teaching. For 40 years, he was a beloved professor at Youngstown State University, like his father, where he taught courses in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Black Studies, and other disciplines, leaving a lasting impact on countless students.
Beyond his career, Jim found joy in numerous hobbies. He loved swimming, collecting coins and sports cards, playing chess, going to movie theaters, and cheering on LSU sports. A talented musician, he played various wind and string instruments and had a deep appreciation for music, especially the work of Frank Zappa. Known for his gift of gab, Jim never missed an opportunity for good conversations, whether on the phone, with friends, or, most importantly, with his four grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, James and Isabel Kiriazis; niece, Alia Hajaj; sister-in-law, Betsy Achladis and in-laws, Randall and Beverly Measmer Mitchell.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 46 years, Shelley Mitchell Kiriazis; his son, James R. Kiriazis (Sami); his two daughters, Natalie Frohman-Kiriazis (Jimmy) and Rachel Kiriazis and his beloved grandchildren, Penelope and Amelia Kiriazis, and Claire and Joel Frohman-Kiriazis. He is also survived by his three sisters, Karen (Richard), Lisa (John), and Laura; his nephew, Matthew; his brother-in-law, Philip; his niece, Yvonne (Khelifa) and many cousins and close friends.
Private family services were held, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date and time.
Arrangements handled by Borowski Funeral Services & Oak Meadow Cremation Services.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Augustine, 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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