James "J.P." Myers

On Monday, March 20th 2023, JP (James Paul) Myers went home to be with his Lord and Savior.  He passed away unexpectedly, at home, after a brief hospitalization.  JP was born on November 2, 1953 in Ravenna, OH to James Leroy Myers and Lois Ellen (Conaway) Myers.  He was a 1972 graduate of Ravenna High School.

Jimmy was a natural born entrepreneur and businessman.  While still in kindergarten he began his first business selling wagonloads of dirt to his neighbors.  His grandpa Conaway had to replace several worn out wheels on Jimmy’s little wagon.  He had a paper route for which he used his bicycle, even carrying a briefcase in the basket like a true businessman. As a boy, JP had great mechanical ability and repaired, repainted, and resold used ringer washers at his family’s appliance store.  He also became one of the youngest licensed electricians in Portage County. Though he grew up working for his family’s appliance store, Myers Home Service in Ravenna, in 1976 JP and his father started their own business, Myers Appliance in Stow.  He was a tireless worker all his life, only slowing down in recent years because of failing health.  On March 16, 1974 JP married his childhood sweetheart, Joyce Mayers.  Together they had 4 children and 13 grandchildren.  JP and Joyce worked together for many years to create a flourishing business.   After Joyce’s passing, JP started dating Laura Blair, a fellow member of Portage Community Chapel, where they were married on December 17, 2016.  JP and Laura moved to Myrtle Beach, SC and joined South Strand Community Church, becoming members in 2018.  JP loved riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and did so for many years and many miles.  He also enjoyed having a farm and caring for all his animals.  Later in life, he loved his and Laura’s little adopted dog, Sissy, even if he was reluctant to admit it.  They spent many hours together, Sissy in his lap or lying next to him in bed.  Though nothing brought him more joy and pride than being an amazing Papa to his 13 grandchildren.  JP even semi-retired from Myers Appliance in 1999 to be a stay-at-home Papa to his first grandchild.  JP had a heart for serving others and dedicated much of his time helping the homeless and less fortunate in Portage County.  He was awarded Ravenna’s Raven Award in 2013 for his work in the community.  After his help in the major construction at the Center of Hope in Ravenna, he was honored when they inaugurated “The JP and Joyce Myers Dining Room”.  Most importantly, JP loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and loved God’s Word.   One of his favorite sayings was “it is what it is”.  And for him it truly was a very full and productive, though at times very difficult, life.  He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by those he leaves behind.  We find great comfort in knowing that he will spend eternity with his Savior and that through Christ’s completed plan, we have the opportunity to be reunited with him in Heaven. In addition to his wife, Laura, he is survived by his children, step-daughters, and grandchildren:  Jennifer (Frank) Edwards and their children Elizabeth and Lillyanna of Rootstown;  Joshua (Michelle) Myers and their children Jordan, Marissa, Jessica and Michael;  Jonathan (Christina) Myers and their children Zackary and Nickolas;  Julie (Eric) Christian and their children Taylor, Christian, Mykenzie, Sophia and Maximus, all of Ravenna;  Sarah (Mark) Ketterhagen currently residing in Panama;  and Kate (Jarrett) Hendrickson currently in Green Bay Wisconsin.  He is also survived by his sister Laura (Tim) Young of Ravenna and sister-in-law Irene (David) Ruehr of Shalersville.  Along with many nieces, nephews and friends that will dearly miss him. JP was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents, and his sister Carole “Suzie” Heldreth of Kent.  Calling hours will be from 4-7 PM on Friday March 24, 2023 at the Portage Community Chapel, 6490 State Route 14 in Ravenna and from 12 PM until time of service at 1 PM on Saturday March 25, 2023 at the church.  Pastor Ray Sigworth will officiate.  Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Blessing of Northeast Ohio – Teen Mother Choices, 3900 Kent Rd, Stow OH 44224.  Condolences and memories of J.P. may be shared with his family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.

“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:22

THE LORD GIVETH AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY.  BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!

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