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NILES -- James Edward Reahle, 91, went to heaven on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at St. Joseph Warren Hospital, in Warren.
James was born to Ernest and Mary Reahle on Oct. 22, 1934, in his lifelong home in Niles.
James was raised during the Depression in a spiritually devout Christian, Italian-American home. He was the middle child of Grace and Ernest. He graduated from Niles McKinley High School and had three children, Dennis, Denise and James Jr., who grew up in California.
After the death of his brother-in-law and friend, he tried to help his sister in raising his niece and nephews; he saw himself as a father figure to Diana, Jim and John.
James worked at Packard Electric as an electrician. Prior to that, he assisted the war efforts by contracting with the U.S. Air Force in Greenland and the development of bombs out West. After retiring, he devoted much time to furthering his education at YSU, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He became a painter, film photographer and life model.
He loved thoughtful conversation and had a sense of humor that included practical jokes. He was excellent at fixing cars, machinery and electrical systems. He enjoyed his life as a pilot, taking joy rides from local airports and flying up parachuters in Ravenna. He was captain of his boat, "The Gypsy Wind," on Lake Erie. He loved taking his nephews boating and flying. He boxed in his youth and, as an adult, competed in Fred Astaire ballroom dance.
As he got older, James lived a humble, private life, aiming to be closer to God. He always remained devoted to his faith, the Holy Spirit and lifelong learning.
He loved music, scholarly reading, going to his sister's daily for home-cooked meals and going out on the strip for "gourmet food," which was always Italian. He played the bass guitar in local bands. He also played the keyboard and was working on songwriting. He was gifted with intelligence and the strength to keep his independence and faith in all circumstances. He was thankful and proud of his family. He would say, "To find God, look to nature," and prayed, "to live in the Holy Spirit."
He is survived by his children, Dennis (Pam) Reahle and Jim (Rozanne) Reahle; four granddaughters; one great-grandson; one great-granddaughter; and his niece, Diana (Dave) Fowler; great-nieces, Erin and Aurora Fowler; nephews, James Brenneman and John Brenneman; and great-nephew, James Brenneman II.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ernest Reahle; his sister, Grace Brenneman; and his daughter, Denise.
He will be laid to rest at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Pineview Cemetery in Warren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested material tributes take the form of donations to St. Joseph Warren Hospital or the Warren Mission Fund.
Professional services were by Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel.
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