James Jay Carrigan

After a 15-year battle with Parkinson's disease, James J. Carrigan left this earth on June 24th, 2021. He fought bravely yet quietly, never complaining. Jim was born March 3rd, 1941, to Karl and Clara (Stillinger) Carrigan in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Hower Vocational High School in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960. After the Navy, Jim worked at Owens Illinois as a millwright till his retirement in 2006. His first marriage was to Susan Metzer and had 3 wonderful children, Karl, Nedra and Colleen. On their travels they would play left turn, right turn. Also loved trips to Put-In-Bay. On November 20th, 1990, Jim married his life partner of 31 years, Patty. Jim accepted her children as his own. They enjoyed life together with many bonfires in their “park”. Jim loved the 4th of July and celebrated it every year a grand display of fireworks with family and neighbors. He also loved the Cleveland Indians Baseball, Ohio State Football, and the Toledo Walleye Hockey teams. He could never pass up watching and betting on a horse race. He was also an avid collector of coins, trains and Put-In-Bay memorabilia. Many years Jim volunteered as Santa as it was a perfect fit for him. He visited many homes, the VFW, American Legion Post# 192 of which he was an active member. Jim is survived by his loving wife Patty; son, Karl (Shay) Carrigan; daughters Nedra (Kevin) Nash Parry and Colleen (Matthew) Harrell; stepsons Paul (Kim) Mayo and John (Barb) Gormley; stepdaughters Jennifer (Randy) Lee and Julie (Kim) Clendennin. He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kaye and great-granddaughter Krista. A private celebration of life was held in his honor on August 1st, 2021, with friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities; The Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers or the American Legion Post #192.