William James Price

Our patriarch and hero of the family William James Price (Jim) passed away December 21, 2022 at home surrounded by his family.

Jim was born to the late Glenn and Thelma Price on September 25, 1937 in Massillon, Ohio.

Jim worked at American Transit as a dispatcher for a short period before purchasing his first bar Benders in downtown Massillon. Over the years he owned and operated several businesses in Massillon and Perry Township, most notably The Fireside Lounge which was a local hot spot for over 20 years. As a businessman, Jim taught his children to work hard, use their common sense, and treat people fairly.

Jim was an entrepreneur of many things and would always try to fix anything his children needed, but if he couldn’t he always “knew a guy” that could. Jim was known as the enforcer to his children but became a real push over to his grandchildren.

Jim loved playing softball and fumble ball, playing for several teams over the years. He was signed by one of the state’s most powerful softball leagues in the Cleveland area. He traveled all over the country playing for Labor & Industry and Walther’s. His favorite field was the Agathon where he routinely never stopped at first base and covered most of the outfield. Jim was inducted into the Greater Stark County Fumbleball Hall of Fame.

Jim also loved fishing at Long Lake, MI., teaching his kids and grandchildren how to water ski and dock a boat properly at Atwood and Lake Erie, and also enjoyed spending the winter months in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Jim was married to his devoted and loving wife Sondra Price for over 56 years. In addition to his wife he is survived by his brother Gary (Georgia) Price and children Karon (Price) Andorka, Kirt (Christy) Price, Kim Price-Cupari and Jeff Price and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Aultman Orrville Hospital and the Hospice team at Crossroads for your compassionate care during Jim’s stay.

A private memorial was held for immediate family. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Crossroads Hospice.