James Fisher Ross

On Thursday, July 24th, 2025, James Fisher Ross fell asleep in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, with loved ones at his side. James, or Jimmy as he was called by many, was an only child who lived a long, full life. He was born in Ironton, Ohio, on January 7, 1930, but spent several of his early years in Catherine, Alabama, with his grandparents, Charles and Ella Boykin. When he was ready to begin school, he returned to Ironton to be raised under the enveloping love of his mother, Anna Mae Moore.

In his early years, he frequently spent time on the farm, riding a horse that had been given to him by his grandfather. He had a strong appreciation for horses and often rode a horse named Molly during his time at boarding school. His love of horses extended into adulthood with yearly visits to the Kentucky Derby to watch the horse races.

As a young man, his parents were committed to his education and spiritual growth. He was baptized at Ethan Temple SDA Church on William Street and re-baptized in 2010 at the same church. Because his parents wanted him to have a Christian education, in September 1946, at the age of 16, he left familiar surroundings to embark upon a history-making opportunity. He attended Pine Forge Institute (now known as Pine Forge Academy), the first African American Seventh-day Adventist secondary boarding school in North America. He traveled alone by bus to Pine Forge, Pennsylvania, becoming the first student from out of state to set foot on the school grounds. After graduating in 1949, he attended Pacific Union College in California, where he majored in Biology.

He had a brilliant mind, evident until the day he died. He graduated in the top percentage of his class from Pine Forge Institute and, at Pacific Union College, he was awarded the first-ever 100% by his History professor. The family knew that if we needed information about any subject, we could go to him for answers and clarification, which he enjoyed.

He had many interests and hobbies, most notably traveling, which took him to many destinations. He would often sing (followed by a chuckle), “I’ve been everywhere, man,” the chorus of the Johnny Cash song. Fishing was one of his passions, and he could be found on a lake catching, then cleaning and eating his catch. There was no fish you could ask about that he did not know. He loved music, with jazz being one of his favorite genres. In later years, Boney James became one of his favorite jazz artists. Over time, as he lost weight, he would refer to himself as “Boney James.” Some of his other jazz favorites included Oscar Peterson, Art Blakey, Sarah Vaughan, Lonnie Liston, and Charlie Parker—who he often talked about seeing live in NYC. Although he didn’t play sports, he was a sports enthusiast. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Guardians (formerly the Cleveland Indians), and the Cavaliers. He also enjoyed watching tennis, especially the antics of Nick Kyrgios.

James found love twice. His first marriage was to Rosalie Newton, ending with her untimely death in 1959. From that union were born three daughters: Yvonne C. Patrick (Odell Patrick, Jr.), Dr. Yvette C. Ross Hebron (Harold H. Hebron), and Camille A. Ross-Rhoades. He graciously accepted the role of father to three bonus daughters: Judith A. Denton (TimothyL Denton, preceded in death), Penelope Patterson (Michael D’Arceuil), and Tina Frost.

In later years, James was blessed to find love again through his second marriage to Peggy Zeitz. Together, they welcomed four more children to the growing family: Christopher Ross (preceded in death), Ginger Ross-Austin (preceded in death), Charles Ross (Christie), and Andrew Ross (Angie). James and Peggy shared over fifty years of marriage before Peggy’s passing in 2019.

James provided for his family by working a myriad of jobs in Cleveland and Dayton, Ohio. He worked at the Cleveland Transit Authority, and in the ER at the Cleveland Mental Hospital as a patient assistant. After moving to Dayton, he continued to work in the mental health field, caring for patients at the Dayton Mental Health Center. He also worked for and retired from Dayton Tire & Rubber, where he was a shift supervisor. His most gratifying work came after retirement when he started working in the “vineyard of the Lord,” doing missionary work for Christ—sending religious pamphlets and books to family and friends, and conversing about the Kingdom with whoever had a willing and listening ear. He often spoke of his desire “to be in that number” who will enter heaven’s gates and experience eternal life with God. He mused about how many stars he would have in his crown. We, his many offspring, plan to meet him on that “great-getting-up morning,” where we all will be clothed in immortality!

James departed this life at the age of 95. God had mercy and said enough to the pain and suffering from an accumulation of chronic diseases and an acute upper respiratory infection that resulted in his rapid decline and subsequent death.

He is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Charles and Ella Boykin; his doting mother, Anna M. Moore; and step-father, MacDonald Moore. He leaves to mourn eight children, 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins and friends. The legacy of James' name will be carried on with his grandson, James Ross, and great-grandsons, Marcellus James Frost and Jude James Gibbons.

Special Acknowledgements

The family would like to acknowledge the following individuals who were earthly angels, showing kindness, love, and compassion to James during his time of need. We are forever grateful for your love and care: Regina Long, Karen Core, Eddie Powers, Lashonda McCoy, Margaret; Peggy Gilman (affectionately known as “Little Peg”).

Funeral service 12 pm Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Ethan Temple Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4000 Shiloh Springs Rd., Clayton, OH. Visitation 10 am- 12 pm. Family will receive friends 11 am- 12 pm. Interment West Memory Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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