James R. Herdman 1955-2025

Jim was born March 7, 1955, in Youngstown. He was adopted by his parents, the late James Paul and Jean Marie Funkhouser Herdman. He was a lifelong area resident.

He attended St. Patrick School and graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1973.

Jim majored in music at the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University. His true passion in life was music; he played several instruments, enjoyed the piano, the organ and guitar.

He started working in the grocery store business with A&P and then managed Nemenz IGA in Deerfield.

Jim had a dream of opening his own restaurant, so in 1985 he started JR’s Pizza and Beer Drive Thru in Akron; he was in business for over 10 years.

He moved back to the Youngstown area in 1995 and started working for DeNiro Cheese; he merchandized the store displays and worked in sales until his retirement.

Jim and his family were Notre Dame football fans; he always wanted to talk about ND. His other passion was that he loved dogs.

Jim married the love of his life, Valerie SoFranko, in September 1997 at St. Patrick Church. Sadly, she passed away Jan. 31, 2018.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his twin sisters, Jeannie (John) Mulichak of Boardman and Janet (DJ) Regan of Caledonia, Michigan.

He has many nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly, Jessica Costas (fiancé James LaSalandra), Jack (Thea Hischak) Mulichak, Jamie (Mitchell) Heidrich, James (Katie) Regan, Patrick (Shae) Regan, Grace (Ryan) Ulanch, Clare Regan and Donnie J. and Joey Regan; plus several great-nieces and -nephews. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Lois J. Sofranko of Poland; and brother-in-law, Joel (Ava) SoFranko.

Jim struggled for many years with his adoption; his life in the last few weeks was completed by meeting some members of his biological family. Jim died with peace in his heart.

The Herdman family requests any material tributes be given to either the Steve E. Mulichak Memorial Scholarship, Youngstown State University, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502; or St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown.

Family and friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

Prayers will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, celebrated by the Very Rev. Thomas Kraszewski.

Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Jim will be buried next to his wife Valerie.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.fox

funeralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the family.

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