James V. Grasselli

James V. Grasselli, 80, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly in his sleep Sunday, November 17, 2002, at Country Club Retirement Assisted Living Center in Dover. Born July 18, 1922, in Dover, he was the son of the late Santi and Ruby Dotts Grasselli. He honorably serviced his country for fifteen years with the US Army during WWII in the European Theatre including the Battle of the Bulge and the Korean Conflict. Jim retired from Union Camp in Dover after 32 years of service. On June 24, 1950, Jim married Lillian S. Davis, who died December 9, 2000. The couple enjoyed camping trips with their friends. Jim was a friend to everyone he met. Along with his wife, Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. He also was a member of numerous Masonic bodies including New Philadelphia Masonic Lodge No. 177, F. & A. M.; Tuscarawas Chapter No. 38, Royal Arch Masons; Tuscarawas Council No. 109, Royal & Select Masons; St. Bernard Commandry No. 51 in Dover, the Tadmor Shrine in Akron and Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 222 in New Philadelphia. Jim also was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Canton. Additionally, Jim spent 20 years with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy.Surviving are two daughters, Jane (Robert, Sr.) Ledrich and Jill (Randy) Watson, both of New Philadelphia; a step-daughter, Linda (Larry) Kinsey of Mineral City; two step-sons, Terry (Brenda) Swegheimer of Dover and Curtis (Sharon) Swegheimer of New Philadelphia; sisters, Betty (Robert) Cross of Barnhill, Sally (Lael) Osteen of Austin, TX, Rose Penrod and Francie (Tim) Peters, both of New Philadelphia; Brothers, Santi (Gloria) Grasselli, Ralph (Nancy) Grasselli, John (Sandy) Grasselli, all of New Philadelphia; 4 grandchildren, 11 step-granchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and his constant companion, his dog “Mickey.”In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Joseph Grasselli, two sisters, Marie Basiletti and Clara Grasselli; a granddaughter and a step-grandson.Calling hours will be on Tuesday evening (tonight) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, New Philadelphia, with the Eastern Star service at 5:45 PM and the Masonic service at 8:45 PM.The funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 AM in the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Steven R. Bailey officiating. Burial alongside his wife will follow at Evergreen Burial Park where members of VFW Post #1445 will present military honors. After the committal a reception will be given at the First United Methodist Church.