James Edward Black, 86, of Hermitage passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side Sunday morning, July 21, 2024, in his home.

Mr. Black was born July 30, 1937, in Sharon, a son of the late James L. and Anna Nora (Stanton) Black. He was a 1955 graduate of Sharpsville High School and attended Marietta (OH) College. While at Sharpsville he excelled as a member of the Varsity Football, Basketball, and Baseball teams.  He was inducted into the Sharpsville Hall of Fame in 2018, and while at Marietta College he played quarterback and defensive back for two years on the football team. He later graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor's degree in accounting, and completed the CPA examination becoming certified on May 29, 1962.

In 2000, Jim retired as the managing partner of Black, Bashor, and Porsch, in Sharon, where he had dedicated 40 years of his life to serving the needs of his clients, many of whom he considered dear friends. He truly cherished the memories and relationships he had made throughout his career with his partners, colleagues, and employees at BB&P, all of whom he considered his second family.

Jim was an active member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon, where he served on the finance council and gladly volunteered his financial guidance in various capacities throughout his life.

He was the Past President of the Sharpsville Service Club and was very active in orchestrating the annual Santa Clause visits throughout the borough.  Jim always looked forward to spending time with local high school students while serving as a Business Week advisor at all the local Shenango Valley schools that participated in the program.

Jim loved to spend time at the Sharon Fishing Club located on Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada, where he served as club president for many years. He always looked forward to bringing his family for annual summer vacations. He had a deep appreciation for all the friendships he made with many of the local Canadians over the years. Jim was also a lifelong member of Sharon Country Club, now Avalon at Buhl, and served as its president.

His beloved wife of 67 years, Ruth Anne (Watson) Black, whom he married April 27, 1957, survives at their home in Hermitage.

Jim is also survived by five children, Mark Black (Beth Anne), Hermitage, Cathy Alexander (Mark), Sharpsville, Becky McIntyre (Bill), Hermitage, Richard Black (Lin), Naples, FL, Cindy Schuhlen (Kurt), Jamestown, PA; his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he adored.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Hetrick; and infant grandson, Richard Black, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Buhl Park, 715 Hazen Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or to St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon.

Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (7-24-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday (7-25-24) in St. Joseph Church, Sharon, with Rev. James Power, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.