James L. Ross, “Jim”, passed away on January 2, 2023, at the age of 69. Jim was born an only child to the late Loran and Sylvia Ross in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jim graduated from Purcell Marion High School. He went on to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio graduating in 1980, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Jim’s memories of the years that he spent in Oxford were some of his fondest ever.
Jim’s creative talent in fine arts led him to a variety of employment settings, all of which involved display, design, and product fabrication. His most memorable accomplishment was in 1979 when he joined a team of talented artists to design and create the initial display of the Shillito’s Elves in Santa’s Workshop at Shillito’s Department Store in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Jim was a devoted and loving husband to Karen, his wife of 35 years. Together they raised two sons, Bryan and Tyler. Jim’s greatest joys in life were his sons, and he cherished spending time with them. Whether it was coaching their soccer and baseball teams or participating in their Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities and outings for over a decade, or just simply watching football on the couch, nothing was more important to Jim than being with his sons and doing what they loved together.
Jim enjoyed photography, history, boating, camping, fishing, and riding the Loveland Bike Trail. He was a dedicated Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan beginning when he was a young child. As an accomplished craftsman and carpenter, Jim always dreamed of using his skills to one day help Bryan and Tyler fix up their homes just as his own father had done for him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons Bryan (wife Haley) and Tyler; his Aunt Doris and first cousins George, Michael, Jean, and Susan, who were like brothers and sisters to him throughout his life.
A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on January 21, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on Beechmont Avenue. Visitation begins at 9:30am, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am, followed by a lunch reception.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
BSA Troop 281, Courtesy of Anderson Hills Church, 7663 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230.
Condolences(4) 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: BSA Troop 281, Courtesy of Anderson Hills Church, 7663 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230.
Jude Cantor says
January 14, 2023 at 7:09 pmKaren, Bryan and Tyler: I’m so sorry. Jim was one of a kind. I never walked away from Jim without a big smile on my face. He made the world a better place. My heart breaks for all of you. 🌹
Bonnie S Van Deursen says
January 16, 2023 at 10:17 pmKaren and all of Jim’s family, my thoughts are with you. I knew you guys in Oxford and worked with Karen and Jim at Muther’s. That was an unforgettable time of my life. Jim, Mike Cleary and Phil Binns, The Three Amigos. Love to you all, Bonnie Van Deursen
Stan Hardwick says
January 18, 2023 at 3:12 pmMy deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family. Jim was definitely one of the good guys, an extraordinarily creative artist, and a true friend to all. Jim and I attended college together and along with our band of artistic compadres, created some of the memories in my youth. I will never forget those days at Miami and feel fortunate to have known Jim Ross.
Joyce Geng says
January 21, 2023 at 1:52 amI send love to you, Karen, and Bryan and Tyler. Jim was a wonderful and involved dad and was always generous with his time, talents and encouragement. I appreciated his gentle spirit and kind heart. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Karen, you took amazing care of Jim and are an incredible wife and mom…♥️🙏♥️