James Patrick Marchion

James Patrick "Chopper" Marchion, 79, died on February 26 in West Jefferson, Ohio, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Fostoria, Ohio, to Patrick and Madeline (Webb) Marchion, Jim lost his mother to cancer at the young age of three. Adopted by Florence (Bigham) Marchion after her marriage to Jim's dad, Jim went on to graduate from St. Wendelin High School in 1964. While there, he played on the varsity football and basketball teams and developed lasting friendships with many dear friends.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and received the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service in the Air Police, Nha Trang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. At the time of his honorable discharge, he had reached the rank of sergeant. After leaving the service, he attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where he received an Associate Degree in Sociology. He had a long and successful career in the automotive industry, managing stores for Western Auto, Sears, KMart, and NAPA. His work took him from Kansas City, to Chicago, and finally to Danville, Illinois where he settled and retired.

Jim was an active member of the VFW Post 728 in Danville, Illinois, where he initiated a variety of fundraisers for local veterans.

Jim is survived by an older sister, Kathleen Pichacz of Findlay, Ohio; younger brother John (Neta) Marchion of Bellevue, Ohio; younger sister Mary Pat Marchion of Columbus, Ohio; several beloved nephews and nieces; and Jessica Rhodes, best friend and caretaker, Danville, Illinois. 

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026.