James Macko Obituary

James "Jim" Anthony Macko

James "Jim" Anthony Macko, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Jim was born July 3, 1946, to Joseph and Josephine Macko in Barberton, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary; sister-in-law, Helen; brothers-in-law, Dan Cianciola, Jim and Bob Moore; niece, Robin; father and mother-in-law, Berlie and Clara Moore; and daughter, Jessica, who loved her father dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; brother, Ron (Lana); sisters, Karen Milich and Sue Cianciola; brother-in-law, Paul; nieces, Kim, Kelly, Jennifer, Krista, Kim, Debbie, and Kristi; nephew, Robbie; as well as many other family and friends.

Jim, Mr. Macko, Uncle Jim, Dad was a good-humored person who had an infectious laugh and never came empty-handed. Whether he was sharing the beautiful tomatoes from his garden or his corn on the cob that seemed to be more delicious every year, or Macko's famous hot sauce, or deer meat he had hunted, fish he had caught, or mushrooms he had foraged, he was generous to everyone.

As a science teacher, he inspired his students, who were many and went on to a diverse array of professions, never forgetting the impact he had on them. Later in life, they became his nurses, doctors, radiation technicians, and pen pals. He was full of knowledge and could carry on a conversation about almost anything in the wilderness, from lemurs in Madagascar to pronghorns in South Dakota. He was a nature lover and skilled in the outdoors, fishing, hunting, trapping, gardening, and exploring of all kinds.

To his family, he was a cornerstone. Whether he was cooking delicious food, leading us on a hike through the forest, hosting us at his cabin, rescuing the wildlife that our pets cornered in the yard, teasing us about the latest silly thing, painting our houses, sitting by hospital beds, providing support when we shared sad news, teaching others how to fry fish or can peppers or call gobblers during turkey season, being a mentor, or hyping our accomplishments, he was always there for others.

He was a great storyteller and a friend to all, but also a fierce and loyal friend to those closest to him. He was so thoughtful, picking out special gifts and cards for those he loved.

He was the oldest of five, a big brother through and through. Everyone could look up to him. He filled up a room, not only because he was a former football player and built like it, but also because of his personality and his smile. As a child, he loved spending time with his grandmother, picking things out of her garden and enjoying all the things she made.

Jim graduated from Barberton High School in 1964 and Defiance College in 1968. He was a dedicated and well-respected teacher and coach, having taught biology, chemistry, and zoology at Gibsonburg High School, St. Wendelin High School, and for the majority of his years at Fostoria High School before he retired in 1998. He was a loving father to Jessica, with whom he spent lots of quality time, eating fresh veggies straight from the garden, exploring the outdoors, planning special visits after she moved away from home, and giggling endlessly at inside jokes. The void that his passing leaves can only be filled by the endless happy memories we have of him.

A Celebration of Life for James (Jim) A. Macko or Mr. Macko, as he was known to many students, will be from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Prince of Peace Parish Hall, 1263 Shannon Avenue, Norton, OH 44203. There will be a memory board where anyone can share a favorite memory and/or picture. Pens and paper will be available to contribute a memory or feel free to bring one with you to the celebration. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to share a memory via Silva-Hostetler website. Type in James Macko, open his obituary, go to the "View and Share Your Favorite Memory" section, and we will print and add it to the memory board.

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