James R. PETRAK, Age 54. Beloved husband of 25 years to Berneice (nee Thompson). Beloved son of the late William A. and Phyllis J. (nee Costello). Beloved Father of Sheila (Juan) and grandfather of Xander and Xavier. Dearest brother of William Jr. (Jan), Maurice (Nancy), Loretta Slater (Fred Richards), Robert (Cecelia) and Mark. Loving Uncle, great Uncle and friend to many. Resident of Orlando, FL. Born and raised in Parma Hts.
Mass of Christian Burial: Thurs. Mar. 20, 10:00 AM at St. John Bosco Church. Visitation: Wed. 4-7 PM at The Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd. Parma, (betw. Snow & Ridge).
To offer condolences visit www.ZaborFH.com
Messages of Condolence
Dear Berneice, I share in the loss of your husband, Jim. I know the pain you are feeling, It does not get better but it does get easier, trust me, I know. Uncle Frank
My deepest sympathy to everyone who knew and loved James. May perpetual light shine on him and through him.
I am really truely sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We pray that God’s healing touch will comfort, support and strengthen all of you now, and in the days ahead.
With our deepest sympathy,
Bianca & Todd Welle
I’m deeply saddened by the news of Jim passing.
I still remember those days of Jim working on the yard with his cowboy straw hat, watching TV loud putting his legs up on the couch and goofying with Bernie. I regret that I won’t be able to joke around with him when I come to visit next time in Orlando.
But those good memories will stay in my heart and mind and I will always remember him as my sweet, funny, tall American Dad.
May God give you a comfort and peace you seek and may the soul of your loved ones in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, your Japanese daughter Reiko
Dear Berneice, I’m so sorry for your loss. I was a childhood friend of your husband. Many years ago, when I was a little kid, my family had moved to a new parish and I was attending my new school, St. John Bosco on the first day of 5th grade. I literally knew no one in this new school and I felt alone and somewhat uneasy as we all went outside for recess on the “playground” (the church parking lot). I recall standing off by myself wondering how I could get into the game being played when the tallest kid on the playground came over and stated, without any pretense, “So, looks like we’re gonna be friends!” I laughed a bit and took a deep breath (I realized I had been holding my breath) and said something to the the effect of “far out!” I went home that evening and told my family around the dinner table that I had made a new friend AND he was the tallest guy in our class. (It’s worth noting that I was easily the shortest kid in the same class.) I will never forget his friendship and the generous spirit that he extended to a frightened kid long, long ago.
Dear Petrak Family,
It is with great sadness that I read this announcement today. It has been years since I’ve seen Jimmy, but the Portos were always part of the bunch of kids on Maplecrest Ave. We played in our sandbox, threw apples, built forts, went sledding on your hill and sometimes hit trees, and at Charles Chips together when they were delivered in that big can. Praying that God sends comfort and peace to all of you as you go through this very difficult time.
Blessings,
Sue Porto Craig
Im very sorry to hear about Jim passing . My preys go out to you and your family for your loss.
I will never forget the phone call from Mom, telling me I had a baby brother and what would I like to name him. I was 6 yrs old and sooooooo very excited, I said I would liked the name James Richard. Boy did that make me special. No matter the distance between us as adults music is the thread that kept our spirits alive. Our spirits will always be connected threw the sound of rock-n-roll. Jimmy our love is eternal, blessings to you, and our loved ones that you are with now. Fred sends his Love and eternal blessings and prays. Love you Bro, Sis
Bernie,we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Heaven gained another angel. We have such fond memories of very fun times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will see you soon. xoxo
Berniece,
I am very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
With Love and Deepest Sympathy
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I fondly remember the tallest kid in school at my days at St John Bosco. He will forever be with you no matter how years pass. My brother John passed away suddenly and there isn’t a day that I don’t think of a fond memory or just his presence. James will be smiling down on his family to keep you all strong.
To the Petrak family, I’m very sorry for your loss. No matter how much time passes we still feel the loss of our loved ones and view death as God does, an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) May you find comfort and strength in his promise at Revelation 21:3,4 that shows soon there will be no more death, and we can see our loved ones again. Please accept my deepest condolences.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/dead-live-again-tract/dead-live-again/