James Gonczy
James “Jim” Gonczy, lovingly known to generations as “Coach Gonczy,” passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2026, in Strongsville, Ohio, at the age of 85. He was born on March 4, 1940, in Ravenna, Ohio.
Jim often said that he always felt like he was born at the most perfect time in history and in the most perfect location, Mantua Center. He was grateful to have been born into such a loving family. Some of his best memories involve working on not only the family farm but also working for area farmers in the “Swamp.”
Jim was a proud graduate of Crestwood High School, Class of 1958. His Crestwood classmates meant everything to him and when able, he tried his best to stay in touch. He loved working on the Crestwood Alumni Banquet Committee every year.
Jim went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Government Service from Kent State University in 1963 and later completed his master’s degree in athletic administration from Kent State in 1982.
From Jan. 29, 1961, to Jan. 28, 1963, Jim honorably served his country in the Ohio Army National Guard as part of the artillery division.
Jim dedicated approximately 50 years of his life to education and coaching, teaching social studies at Berkshire Integrated Middle/High School from 1966 until his retirement in 1997. He continued to coach multiple sports for area schools for nearly 20 more years after retirement. In recognition of his lifetime of dedication to coaching and mentorship, Coach Gonczy was inducted into the Berkshire Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.
Above all else, Jim’s greatest joy was his family, especially his beloved wife, Jane. The two met and fell in love in 1959, sharing a lifetime of devotion until Jane’s passing in 2015. Jim is now joyfully reunited with the love of his life.
In retirement, Jim was known for his generous heart and kind gestures, especially his homemade cookies and stuffed cabbage, which he lovingly made and delivered to others.
Jim unwaveringly kept their beautiful home on Broadwood manicured with every size and color of hostas and beautiful flowers. He made sure there was not one dandelion present in the yard!
A man of deep faith, he rarely missed a Sunday singing in the choir at Burton Congregational Church, where he treasured his lifelong friendships and church family.
Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband, teacher, coach, mentor and friend—someone who quietly shaped lives through consistency, kindness and unwavering dedication.
His legacy lives on in the countless students, athletes, family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gabriel and Elizabeth Gonczy; his wife, Jane Gonczy; brothers, Gabe, Paul, Joe and Dan Gonczy; and sisters, Betty Almy and Marge Gonczy.
He is survived by his sons, James “Chip” (Debbie) Gonczy, of Strongsville, Ohio, Adam (Bethany) Gonczy, of Athens, Ohio; grandchildren, Katelyn (Marc) West, Jonah Gonczy, Kacie Mendez and Brooklynn Gonczy.
Calling hours will be held Feb. 21, 2026, from 12-3 p.m., at Burton Congregational Church, 14558 West Park St., Burton, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Jim will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery later in the spring with family in attendance.
The 3 p.m. memorial service on Feb. 21 will be live streamed for those who are unable to make it in person. Please use one of the two links below to view the service:
https://www.facebook.com/BurtonUCC/
https://www.burtonucc.com/online-sermons
Memorial donations can be made in Jims’s name to: Burton Congregational Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 496, Burton OH 44021; Berkshire Athletic Boosters, 14155 Claridon Troy Road, Burton OH 44021: or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (www.alz.org).
