James S. Speed

Mr. James Steven Speed, 66, departed this life on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Speed was born Oct 29, 1951 in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of James L. and Naomi (Chambers) Speed.

He was a 1969 graduate of  North High School and graduated from Youngstown State University majoring in Business Administrations and minored in photography.

He was employed by General Food, which over the years became Kraft General Foods, Kraft, and now Kraft Heinz. He received numerous awards and accolades over his 40 year tenure, including but not limited to: leading the supply chain function, and recognitions of awards on sales teams, marketing teams and customer teams.  He retired as Associated Director  of Customer Development for Kraft Foods..

Steven was a devoted husband, a loving father, a nurturing grandfather, dedicated employee, and a loyal friend. He had a very optimistic outlook on life and especially loved being with his family. “He was a strong man”, an Omega Psi Phi man, a man of integrity and faith. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, photography, Ohio sports, reading and cars. He will be dearly missed by all.

 He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 41 years, the former Mary Elizabeth McGaha, whom he married June 17, 1976; his two children, Albert B. McGaha (Dion) of Kansas and Kimberly (Scott) Trentman of Cincinnati;  his sister, Karen (Lloyd) Hughes;  and a brother,  Kenneth Speed both of Youngstown; six grandchildren, Jasmine, Amara, Jadon and Averi all of Kansas, Andrew and Aden both of Cincinnati; a great grandson, Roman of Kansas and a host of nieces, nephews other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will follow immediately at 10:00 a.m.

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