James Max Kovalo, 66, was called home on Saturday, November 20, 2021. He is the son of the late Fred and Rose Kovalo of Dilles Bottom. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Charles Truman Fields, Grandparents Carmine and Matilda Damiani, Joseph and Malvina DeGenova, Rudolph and Clementine Postage, Charles and Julia “Jay” Polivka, Lemuel and Mary Louise Tschappat, Louis Damiani, Primo and Angela Damiani,John and Anna Kovalo, Mary and Arnold Woelkers, Charles and Annie Kovalo and Alex and Ann Kouvolo. His sister-in-law Olga Kovalo, cousins Connie Tschappet, Ray DeGenova, Louis Damiani and several friends along the way.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years Sherry, daughter Jamie Lee Hammond (Robert), son Joshua James Kovalo, son Jay Michael Kovalo and his favorite little redhead, granddaughter Averi Rose, all from Shadyside. His brother Fred Kovalo of McMechen, WV, sister Carma Kovalo of St. Clairsville, and mother-in-law Reva Fields Vannatter of Dunbar, WV. Daniel (Tammie) Fields and David (Lora) Fields both of Dunbar, WV. Many Kovalo and Damiani cousins. Many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews in Dunbar
Jim had the most powerful personality and did not know the meaning of the word stranger. He would always make time for anyone that needed an ear to listen or if someone needed advice. Most of the time, he could be found working in his garage on one of his cars with his little shop assistant at his heels.
He loved all things Shadyside, especially football and track. From volunteering at OVTL meets, to several shot put coaching stints, he was always ready to lend a hand.
Family will receive friends Friday, November 26 at the Bauknecht Altmeyer Funeral home 3900 Central Ave., Shadyside Ohio from 2-4 & 6-8pm. Funeral mass at 11am in St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday November 27, Shadyside Ohio. Interment in Powhatan Cemetery with a luncheon to follow after at St. Mary’s.
In respect to the family and friends, the family requests that masks be worn and to practice social distancing while visiting at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society by going to TMCFunding.com, American Heart Association by going to TMCFunding.com, or the OR&W Fire Department by going to TMCFunding.com.
Hard to believe it has been almost two months since you left us. I miss you daily and know you are watching over us.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. During the years that I worked at R.E Burger plant I found him to be a very fine and decent fellow. May the Lord comfort his family in this great loss. My prayers are with them.
Sherry and Family
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Jim was a great person. He will be greatly missed. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Jim was such a great person. I would always run into him when I came into Shadyside. Always had a smile and kind words for everyone. I will miss him.
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. We saw him almost every time we came home, usually at mass. Jim was a person who spread the LIGHT OF CHRIST everywhere he went. ALMIGHTY GOD used him so many times to touch others with joy and caring and love for HIM. Now Jim walks with the Angels and the Saints glorifying OUR LORD and sitting at the banquet tables celebrating. We know your hearts are breaking. May the HOLY SPIRIT be with you and provide all your needs.
mi mancherai, caro cugino
A Shadean through and through. One of the good ones. You’ll truly be missed ❤️
Prayers of comfort for the family and friends.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss…. What an awesome Son,Husband, Dad & Pap …..and many friends. We all share this loss with each and everyone that he called friend.
Jimmy Kovalo has always been the nicest man in Shadyside. He would go out of his way to speak to everyone by name. He would alweys have something to say to brighten the day. There is a hole in the heart of Shadyside that will be awfully hard to fill.
I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was one of a kind….a great sincere human being that we can all learn from. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their healing. Cherish your memories and be there for one another.