James D. Underwood Jr. 1929-2025

He was born Dec. 2, 1929, in McDonald, Pa., the son of the late James William Underwood and Lillie Helen Pastor Underwood.

James married the love of his life, Louella Kerr, on Feb. 13, 1954; they enjoyed 55 years of marriage together before her passing, July 29, 2009.

James worked as a heavy construction superintendent at the Ruhlin Company for 28 years, retiring in 1995. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of Newton Falls United Methodist Church and Newton Falls Masonic Lodge #462 for many years. He enjoyed doing housework, mowing and working out in the yard, fishing, hunting, traveling and taking care of his family.

James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louella; one son, Todd Underwood; and three sisters, Ruth Amos, Emilie Herrod and Esther Coleman.

James will be dearly missed by his family, two daughters, Trudy and Robert Dils of Waynesville, Missouri, and Traci and Ben Cook of Newton Falls; two sons, Thomas and Lori Underwood, and Timothy and Patty Underwood, all of Newton Falls; nine grandchildren, Ashley, Emma, Tomithia, Abbey, Ben, Noah, Adam, Colten and Melinda; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with the Rev. Steve Spurlock officiating, with calling hours 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cremation will follow the service. James will be laid to rest with his wife, Louella, in Lutheran Cemetery, Newton Falls.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

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