Justin St. James
Justin St. James, 80, went to his eternal rest with God on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 29, 1945, to C. Sherman and Lucille I. (nee Cappocetta) Rinard, Justin was a resident of Auburn Township, Ohio.
As a graduate of Orange High School, in Pepper Pike, Ohio, he graduated from Ohio University, Athens, and then earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was an adjunct professor for many years at Kent State University at the Geauga, Twinsburg and Trumbull branches, well regarded by students and colleagues.
He was, at the same time, an adjunct at Lakeland Community College, teaching at the different campuses for many years, where his students and colleagues also appreciated his teaching style, good humor and friendly demeanor.
Justin was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict and willingly served one year in Vietnam in 1966-67. Like many of his fellow veterans of that time, he chose not to talk much about that time, but he was proud to have faithfully and honorably served his country in that difficult period.
He shared his life for 31 years with his beloved wife, Joy Anne, to whom he was married on Dec. 15, 2001. Optimistic, loving, kind and good natured, Justin was a joy and a gift from God to his wife and to all of those around him.
Retired from teaching in 2018, Justin enjoyed exercising at The Gym, lunching at Cinda’s Restaurant and reading newspapers at the Middlefield Library. He liked reading, especially western novels and all types of paranormal psychology. A strong interest of his was studying research about the “near death” experience.
Besides his wife, Joy, Justin was much-loved and will be sadly missed by his surviving family: his mother, Lucille Rinard, Briar Hill Skilled Nursing Facility of Ohman Family Living, Middlefield, Ohio; his sister, Lynette Kehoe, of Garrettsville, Ohio; step-children, Anne (Andrew) Cross, of Auburn Township, Barbara (Glenn) Rayburn, of Huntsburg Township, Ohio, Richard T. Seman Jr., of Chardon, Ohio, David (Dawn) Seman, of Auburn Township; step-grandchildren, Sabrina Lacny, Sara (Brian) Craemer, Emmeline Rayburn, Elinor Rayburn, and William Rayburn, Erica (Brennan) Kruszewski, Kayla Seman, and Elena Seman; step-great-grandchildren, Dominic, Calista, Veronica Anne, Henry, Arthur, Gilbert, Walter, Peter and Veronica Rose.
He is also survived by nephews and nieces, Coleen (Steve) White, of Seminole, Fla., Kevin Anthony (Martina) Kehoe, of Parkman Township, Ohio, Jeannine (Matt) Jordan, of Garrettsville; grand-nieces/nephews, Adam, Nicholas, Evan and Natalie Kehoe, Hunter, Kierra and Layla Jordan, Kevin Michael Kehoe and Jack Kehoe; and great-niece, Milan Jordan.
He is also survived by sisters/brothers in-law, James, Jonathan, Jeffery and Joel Lavalley, Judith Coryell, Jacqueline Daniels and Jillaine Thomas.
Justin was preceded in death by his father, C.S. Rinard; nephew Dennis Kehoe; sister-in-law Janice Schweitzer; and brothers-in-law Gerald Kehoe and Jerome Lavalley.
Calling hours will be held at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High St., Middlefield, on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, from 2-4 p.m., followed immediately by a memorial service.
Justin will be laid to rest at Middlefield Cemetery later in the spring with family in attendance.
Donations can be made in Justin’s name to the Middlefield Branch of Geauga Public Library, 16167 E. High St., Middlefield, OH 44062 Check can be made out to “GPL.”
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
