Jimmy Melton McGaha

            Mr. Jimmy Melton McGaha, 75, of Warren, transitioned from this earthly labor to his heavenly reward on Monday, July 15, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital.

            Mr. McGaha was born July 11, 1949 in Booneville, Mississippi, a son of William H. and Mary Ann McGee McGaha.  He was a 1968 South High School graduate, received his BA degree from Youngstown State University, a MA degree from Kent State University and Post Grad studies at the University of Pittsburgh.  He was a member of Prince Hall Belzeleel Consistory Lodge #15, Rising Sun Lodge #90 and Omega Psi Phi – Psi Omicron Chapter Fraternity.  Jimmy served as former chairman of Youngstown Human Relations Commission and the Youngstown Minority Loan Committee.  He had been employed with General Motors Lordstown for 35 years, retiring in 2006.   After retiring from GM, Jimmy counseled many for 44 years before becoming owner/operator of Jim McGaha and Associates Clinical Counseling Service.  Jimmy became a licenced therapist in 1980 and became the owner and operator of Jim McGaha Associates 1996 in Girard. He treated all of his clients like family and to some a best friend. He has always gone above and beyond to ensure that everyone's needs were met. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

            He leaves to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life and legacy, his devoted wife, the former Karen Nelms, whom he married January 20, 2019; his son, James E. (Myesha) McGaha of Ft. Worth, TX; his bonus children, Whitley, Wesley and Waylon Jennings, and Wendell Wise; siblings Robert (Star Lee) McGaha, Charles McGaha, Diane (Dwayne) Jones, Deborah McGaha, Nancy Graham, and Melvin (Daisy) McGaha; stepbrothers, Darrin and LaVance Turnage; two grandchildren, Jasmine (Isaac) Berwick and Amari McGaha; three great grandchildren, Zion Crayton, Zyiere Berwick and Jayceon Berwick; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

            Besides his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his former wife, Janice Moore-McGaha; and his brother, Terry McGaha.

            The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Rd, Youngstown, OH.  Celebration of life service will follow at 12:00 p.m.  Interment will take place at the Tod Homestead Cemetery

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