James "Jim" M Kovac, Sr.

James M. Kovac, Sr., 77, of Howland Twp., entered into eternal life on Monday, October 05, 2015 in his home following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born on February 1, 1938 in Warren, the son of the late John and Helen M. (Scrbek) Kovac and was a lifelong area resident.

A January 1956 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Jim enlisted into the United States Army following high school and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge on September 29, 1958 with the rank of Private.

Jim worked for 30 years with WCI Steel in Warren, where he took on many rolls throughout his career.  He retired in 2000 as an annealer.

A devout Catholic, Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Warren, where he was a money counter and was a member of the Church Mice.  He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #620 of Warren. 

Jim was a family man and the peace maker of the Kovac family.  He had an amazing enjoyment for his grandchildren.  He was an avid Cleveland Indians and Browns fan and enjoyed gardening, fishing and cooking.

Jim was married to the former Mary Keener on February 4, 1961 and they were married for 39 years until her passing on September 9, 2000.  Together they would share the love of four children James M. Kovac, Jr. of Howland, David M. (Julie) Kovac of Mecca, Betsy (finance Marvin Oney) Vine of Cortland and Janice (Andre) Kovac-Silvers of Poland; three grandchildren Jamie Neroni, Lauren and David Vine.  Jim is also survived by three brothers Raymond J. (Joyce) Kovac of Lordstown, Stephen D. (Jan) Bubon of Warren and Jerome “Jerry” D. (Kim) Bubon of Howland and an aunt Rose Marie Ferderber of Warren.

Besides his parents and wife, Mary, Jim is preceded in death by his step father Steve “Lib” Bubon on July 24, 1995.

Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial, with Fr. Bernard R. Schmalzried officiating, will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2015 in St. Mary’s Church, preceded by closing prayers to be recited at 9:20 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home prior in leaving for the church.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Warren.

The family suggests that memorial contributions take the form of donations in Jim’s name be directed to MVI Hospice.

Caring and Professional Arrangements for the Kovac family are under the direction of the Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home, 330-392-5691.

Family and Friends may visit www.sinchakandsons.com to view this tribute and share condolences to the Kovac family.