James J. McNicholas IV

GIRARD – James J. McNicholas IV, 79, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, July 23, 2026, at Hospice House, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Jim was born Oct. 24, 1946, in Youngstown, a son of the late James J. McNicholas III and Sally Tinkler McNicholas, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a 1965 graduate of Ursuline High School and dedicated more than 20 years of service as a dispatcher with Nick Strimbu Inc. before his retirement.

A faithful member of St. Rose Church, Jim found joy in life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course and was a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His love for Notre Dame even inspired him to learn the school's fight song on the organ, and family members fondly remember how he taught the family dog to "sing" along whenever he played — a memory that never failed to bring a smile.

Above all, Jim treasured the time he spent with his family and the countless memories they created together.

Jim leaves to forever cherish his memory his wife of 37 years, Deborah Parilla McNicholas, whom he married July 29, 1989; his children, Dr. Meagan McNicholas (Andrew Ritosa), Shannon Fahy (Mark Thomson), James J. McNicholas V, John (Kristin) McNicholas and Ryan (Sara) McNicholas; five grandchildren; his siblings, Pat (Maryann) McNicholas, Margaret McNicholas (Vas Simion), Terry McNicholas, Mike (Jesse) McNicholas, Mary Beth McNicholas, Brian (Barb) McNicholas, Molly (Bill) Emery and Casey (Laurie) McNicholas; his mother-in-law, Rosemary Suszczynski; several nieces and nephews; extended family members; and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Sally Ann “Sam” McNicholas.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 48 E. Main St., Girard.

Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.