Todd M. James

While living his best life, Todd M. James, 62, of New Philadelphia, passed away October 27, 2023, in Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital at Canton, following a very sudden health episode after prostate cancer surgery.

Born in Dennison, Ohio on September 29, 1961, he was the son of the late Rev. Robert and Dolores (Greer) James. After graduating from Claymont High School, he went to the police academy.

Although the daily experiences were incredibly difficult, Todd took great pride in serving both as a sheriff’s deputy with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff Department and as a police officer with the Strasburg, Carrollton, and Midvale Police Departments. He was a lifelong Back the Blue supporter.

Following his law enforcement service, Todd made a career as a truck driver for more than 30 years, currently working for Estes Trucking in Richfield.

His hard work and countless hours away from his home provided him the ability to create incredible memories for his family, who was his pride and joy. Weekends on Tappan Lake, vacations to Topsail, and traveling in his motorhome were important places in his life, because there, he was with those he loved most creating invaluable memories. While he enjoyed his “toys”, the pontoon, campers, jet skis, and other goodies, the value in the toys was that they provided an opportunity for him to see the pure joy on their faces as they laughed and had fun together. That filled him with great satisfaction.

Todd never denied a request for help, whether it was fixing a car, opening his home for those in need, or snow blowing the entire neighborhood after a snowstorm. He lived to help others, rarely sitting still.

During his employment with FedEx, he received the Humanitarian Award, for saving the life of a 22-year-old during a snowstorm. He was also an avid supporter of the Blue and a die-hard Donald Trump fan! Additionally, Todd loved watching American Pickers, crime shows, and scanning m@cbids, and was an avid fisherman.

On October 1, 1994, Todd married his wife of nearly 30 years, the former Sharon Miles. They made a great team raising and caring for their family including children, Todd (Mary Lee) James, Troy James, Jerrod (significant other, Kayla Gibbs) James, and Jennah (significant other, Nick Polka) James. He was blessed with 4 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; sisters, Kathi Hite, Kim (David) Potopsky, Kelly (Roy) DeMattio, Kendra (John) Duff, and Kristin (Kevin) Beechy; his aunts and uncles, Ralph “Gil” (Donna) Greer and Edith (Charles) Greer Upton; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Linda) Miles, Rhonda (Larry) Beans, Sheila (Paul) Donohoe, and Paul (Maureen) Baker; and his dogs, Lola, Beau, Bella; and grandpuppy, Gus.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, John Hite and Thomas Miles.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. Rev. Don Perks will lead a service in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Schoenbrunn Meadows Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions in Todd’s memory may be directed to the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 460 W. 10^th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210.