Harry M. James

Harry M. James, 80, a resident of Elyria, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026 at University Hospitals, Westlake.  A graduate of the University of Akron, he taught junior high and high school math and science and coached in Lorain County and Huron County.  Everywhere he went, Harry ran into former students who told him, “You wielded a mean paddle!”  Because he cared about children and older adults, Harry volunteered for two decades as a Guardian-ad-Litem for Lorain County Voices for Children and a Long-Term-Care Ombudsman assigned to local nursing homes.  Harry enjoyed bowling with the Murray Ridge Adult Leagues, dining out and ballroom-swing dancing.  Under five feet tall, he could nevertheless guide the tallest woman to spin and dip like a pro!  Harry treated all people with dignity and respect-his friends included professors, handymen, investment advisors and waiters.

Harry is survived by his sister, Patricia Wells of TX; a niece; 2 grandnieces; 2 grandnephews; his adopted family, Dave and Joy Vaughn of Amherst; his dancing buddy, John Cassee and his longtime companion, Rosemary Myers.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

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