James Banfield

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - James “Jim” Banfield, 42, formerly of Austintown, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.

Jim was born Jan. 29, 1983, in Youngstown, the son of Larry and Shirley Sheets Banfield. He grew up in Austintown and moved to Indiana in 2017.

He was a 2001 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and worked for General Motors in Lordstown and Bedford, Indiana. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment.

A lifelong Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan, Jim remained loyal through every win and loss — a trait that perfectly reflected his unwavering dedication to his team. Jim’s love of sports went far beyond the stands. He was also an umpire and earned his umpiring certification in 2002 from the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in Kissimmee, Florida, something he was very proud of.

Jim never met a stranger, no matter where he went. He could talk to anyone and usually did. Whether traveling or just going about his day, Jim loved talking about sports, life and everything in between, and had a way of making people feel like old friends.

Jim leaves to forever cherish his memory his wife, for over six wonderful and adventurous years, Lindsay Hull, whom he married Oct. 26, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nev; his father, Larry (Sheree) Banfield of Poland; his mother, Shirley Banfield of Austintown; his brother, Mark (Jaime) Banfield of Concord, N.C.; two nephews, Carson and Caden Banfield of Concord, N.C.; his father-in-law, David Hull of Boardman; his sister-in-law, Michelle Napoli of Canfield; several cousins, including Ryan (Billee) Banfield with whom Jim was very close; and his beloved “dog daughter” and the apple of his eye, Mitzi.

Jim will be missed every single day by those who knew and loved him. His stories, laughter, and passion for sports and life will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a funeral service will take place at 6 p.m.

Private interment will take place Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.