Mickey James

Mickey Charles James, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Mickey was born August 28, 1966 in Bellefontaine, Ohio to Willis Robert James and Polly Ann (Spencer) James. Being the youngest of four his brothers got to name him. They loved baseball and chose the name Mickey after the great Mickey Mantle.

Mickey graduated from Bellefontaine high school class of 1984 and attended University of Cincinnati and then Columbus State Culinary School. He worked as an executive chef in the Columbus area for 22 years, and at the time of his passing, he was a longtime manager of Vicks Pizza. He very much enjoyed cooking for his family as well.

Mickey loved music and attended hundreds of concerts in his lifetime. From Tom Petty to Cinderella, Scorpions to Judas Priest, Queensryche to the Cranberries, you name it, he has seen it and bought the T-shirt.

An avid sports fan, he loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, his Miami Dolphins, the Lakers, and the Cincinnati Reds. He could often be heard cheering at the top of his lungs for his favorite teams. Mickey was a devoted family man. His daughter Natalie was the light in his life, and he adored and spoiled her every day. He was a loving husband to Kathy and a fantastic stepfather to Timothy, Tyler, and Tristan. We will love you and miss you for the rest of our lives. 

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Randy James and his sister Karla Powell.

Mickey is survived by his wife, Kathy (Pickering) James, his daughter Natalie Ann James, his three stepsons Timothy, Tyler and Tristan, his brother Richard (Carol) James, sister in-law Pamela James and many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

The Panther will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Mickey was an organ donor and was able to donate to Lifeline of Ohio. 

--Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"-- Hunter S Thompson

The family will have memorial service at a future date

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