James A. "Jim" Ondich, Masury, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (12-22-15) at his residence. He was 56.

Jim was born in Sharon on December 29, 1958, one of three children born to John and Ann Banas Ondich. He was raised in Brookfield and graduated from Brookfield High School.

He worked for several local businesses through the years including Goldstein's Furniture, the former Valley View Department Store, the Niles K-Mart, and the Hermitage Wal-Mart. He also enjoyed working as a Pinkerton security guard.

Jim had a soft spot for all animals and he kept dog treats to hand out to what he called "little poochies". He was a Miami Dolphins fan and he enjoyed all sports, he officiated both Little League Baseball and High School Basketball for many years..

He was an avid World Wrestling Federation fan and actually got the chance to referee matches in Cleveland.

He enjoyed bowling and was famous for the "Ondich Bender" a strategic hooking ball to crush the pins.

Jim could often be seen at his favorite restaurant Nick's INN 62 enjoying his favorite treat, Italian Wedding soup.

He was a lifetime member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Hermitage.

He is survived by his sister, Kathy Mendillo and her husband Jerry, Sharon, his brother Ken Ondich and his wife Sharon, Crestline, OH, hsi nephew, Rob Smith Windham, OH, his niece Becky Smith, Akron, his step nephews, Justin Mendillo and his wife Patty, Sharpsville, and Jeff Mendillo and his wife Chrissy, Hermitage, a nephew Phillip Ondich and his wife Kelly, Bucyrus, Ohio, and two nieces, Jennifer Kunkle, Georgia, and Melissa Giesman and her husband Ryan, Ashland, Oh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and both his maternal and paternal grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

Calling hours: 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Monday ( 12-28-15 ) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.

Services: D ivine Liturgy will be celebrated Monday ( 12-28-15 ) at 12:30 pm at St. Michaels Byzantine Catholic Church, Hermitage, PA, with Rev. Kevin Marks, pastor as celebrant.

Interment: St. Michael's Cemetery, Hermitage.