James "Jim" Wertz

James Wertz, 84, passed away suddenly at his residence on July 25, 2025.

Jim was born on June 9, 1941, in Massillon, OH to the late Charles and Helen (Trotter) Wertz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Doris Wertz and Chuck Wertz.

Jim graduated from Jackson High School, class of 1959, where he was the drum major for the Jackson High School Marching Band. No one could march down a football field twirling a baton, throwing it up and catching it, like Jim. In 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. Jim was stationed in Taiwan where his job was to decode secret messages and send them on to the White House and the Pentagon. While stationed there, he so enjoyed visiting that part of Asia and always hoped to return. Upon discharge, Jim attended Kent State and Akron University, eventually earning two Master’s Degrees. Jim’s employment started at Camelot Music, continued with the American Red Cross, and taught at Northwest High School and R.G. Drage Vocational School, ending his career at Brown Mackie College.

After Jim retired, he volunteered at the McKinley Museum Research Library and with the Jackson Historical Society. Jim could also be found helping any friend who needed a job done or something moved.

Jim loved to collect pianos. During his lifetime, he collected 15 standard sized to grand pianos, many of them rare. He also was a member of the Miniature Piano Society and his collection numbered over 3800 miniature pianos. If you knew Jim, you knew he collected everything he could, from Hummels to antique tins to Fenton glassware.

Travel was very important to Jim. He especially loved his trips to Williamsburg, Fort Lauderdale as well as Norfolk and Niagara Falls. On a trip to Russia, Jim bought his famous red fox fur hat, in Africa he enjoyed seeing the Big Five, and in Italy appreciated the history around him. Every place Jim and Jeff visited a watch was purchased. On any given game day, Jim could be found at a football party where he partook in his afternoon nap, waking up to cheer and not knowing why. The ultimate fan. He and Jeff also enjoyed entertaining and hosting multiple parties throughout the years at their home. All will remember the camaraderie, laughter, lavish dinners and cheesecakes.

Jim is survived by his partner of 50 years, Jeff Benson. Also left behind to mourn our Jim are multiple friends and family who were forever touched by knowing him.

On Thursday, July 31st, at 11:00AM, visitation will begin, and there will be a Celebration of Memories at 12:30PM at the Paquelet Funeral Home. Burial will promptly follow at 1:30PM, in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens of Massillon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jackson Historical Society or the McKinley Museum and Library.

To share a memory of Jim or to leave a condolence for loving survivors, please sign the guestbook below.