Obituary of James J. Sferra
 
CAMPBELL -James “Jim” Joseph Sferra passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at his Campbell residence. 
   
Jim was born November 13, 1933, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Stephen and Mary Louise (Modarelli) Sferra.  Jim graduated from Ursuline High School in 1951 and Youngstown College in 1955.
 
Jim was a tireless worker.  He was employed for more than 30 years at Youngstown Sheet and Tube and its successors as a general foreman until retirement in 1986.  He then continued a second career at the Federal Iron Works, where he worked as a young boy and later owned and ran the business.  Jim was a true artisan in ornamental iron.  His beautiful ornamental iron works adorn countless area churches, buildings, cemeteries and residences.
 
Jim married Elizabeth (“Betty”) Petruzzi on June 13, 1959.  Jim and Betty had five children: Anne Marie (Fred Vorys), Stephen (Lisa), James Jr. (Lori), Robert (Matt Walsh), and Mary Louise Mlachak (Robert).  Jim had nine grandchildren: Kyle Vorys; Gabrielle, Chloe, and Mia Sferra; Alexis, Haley, James III, Cassie, and Matthew Sferra.
 
One of eleven children, Jim is survived by his siblings Louise Leone (Horace), Rosemary, Virginia Klein, Edward (Marcella), William and Mary Santon (Dan), and many nephews and nieces.  He was preceded in death by his brothers John, Robert and Joseph, and sister Marguerite Nelson.
 
Jim was very proud of his children and grandchildren.  More than anything he enjoyed boasting on them, spending time with his family and attending their sporting events.  He also enjoyed many Cleveland Indians and YSU games with them.
 
In addition to being devoted to his family and work, over the years Jim was an active member of the Campbell community.  He was a longtime member and past President of the Carovillesi Mutual Aid Society; served on the Parrish Council at St. Lucy Church, where he was a longtime parishioner; and was a benefactor of Campbell Memorial athletics.  He was elected in 2004 to the Campbell Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions.
 
At his core, Jim was a tough guy, a loving and devoted husband and father, and a man who never compromised doing the right thing the right way.  The riches of his life are measured not by material things, but by his character, the talent in his hands, and the impact he had on the lives of so many.  Jim Sferra was a classic, who will be dearly missed and forever remembered as the unique and strong individual he was.            
 
The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 2nd at Christ The Good Shepherd Parish – St. Lucy Church and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, January 3rd, also at church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.
 
Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the funeral home website www.mccauleyfuneral.com
 
Arrangements by the McCauley Funeral Home serving the valley for more than 115 years.
 

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