James E. Monroe

James E. Monroe, 75, of Girard, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown. James was born April 9, 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio the son of the late John and Dorothy (McCartney) Monroe. He was a 1963 graduate of Ursuline High School. James worked for CSX Railroad for 34 years retiring October 1, 2008. As a young man James liked to travel, living in places like Venice Beach, California where he immersed himself in the counter-culture movement and later lived in Toronto, Canada where he drove a transportation bus for special needs kids. He enjoyed listening to all forms of music especially classical and thought-provoking poetic and political musicians of his and other generations. James was very passionate about the environment and mother earth, especially trees. He had a spiritual connection with the earth and was a member of the Arbor Day Foundation. James was a vegetarian for over 50 years. He loved gardening, especially growing garlic and enjoying the fruits of his labor with family and friends over coffee and conversation. He love taking his kids and their friends as well as his nieces/nephews to the park, sporting events and other activities. He enjoyed taking walks appreciating whatever scenery there was to offer whether it was nature or historic architecture. He loved to ride public transportation and mingle with "the people" and walk in the park and all over town and would frequently say there needs to be more benches for the "older people" to take a quick rest. He loved going on car rides into the country to get fresh produce or to the Ohio River or just spend the day with his wife. He was a very magnanimous person and loved gathering with family and friends and telling stories and reminiscing about past relatives and ancestors, even if they were a little embellished. He will be remembered as a man who would do absolutely anything for his family. James leaves cherishing his memory his wife of 37 years, Beth Ann (Stark) Monroe, whom he married May 22, 1982, his children; Shawn Monroe of Girard and Dorian Monroe of Girard, his sisters; Janet Parilla of Aurora, OH, and Judy Mrofchak of Vienna, OH, his brothers; Jack (Carolee) Monroe of Claremont, California, Joe (Kathy) Monroe of Buffalo Grove, IL, and Jerome (Marilyn) Monroe of Boardman, OH; along with many nieces and nephews whom he shared endless fond memories with. James had many friends from all walks of life. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be set at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to a memorial fund set up through Go Fund Me.