James Vincent Sylvester Jr.

James Vincent Sylvester Jr. , 70, passed away on Wednesday morning November 15, 2023 at the St. Joseph Health Center following a long standing, chronic illness. He was born in Columbus, Georgia on November 21, 1952 the son of James Vincent and Patricia R.(Fitzpatrick) Sylvester Sr.

Jim attended St. Stephen Elementary School, graduated in 1971 from John F. Kennedy High School and was blessed with a "full ride" football scholarship to Purdue University in Indiana. He worked as a Behavior Modification Specialist at Maryville Academy in Chicago and Northside Hospital / University of South Florida before returning home to Niles, Ohio. He was a member of St. Stephen Church in Niles and enjoyed cooking, fishing and building model airplanes. He loved watching sports and was an avid fan of University of Michigan and University of Florida football teams.

Jim is survived by his wife RaeAnn (DiBattiste) Sylvester whom he married on April 10, 1999; two sons, James Vincent "Forist" Sylvester III of New York, New York, Michael Patrick Sylvester (Sarah Rechenmacher) of Jupiter Beach, Florida and their soon to be born baby girl; sister, Regina (Robert) Steines of Howland; four brothers, Joseph A. (Lori) Sylvester of Columbus, Michael P. (Sherrie) Sylvester of McDonald, John F. "Jay" (Julie) Sylvester of Niles, Patrick G. (Carol) Sylvester of Niles; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews and other extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at St. Stephen Church where family and friends may call one hour prior to the mass. Rev. Richard Murphy will be the celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John F. Kennedy High School Alumni Association.

Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home 126 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 330-652-4311.