James “Jim” Edward Uszynski, 76 years of age, and a lifetime resident of Lorain County, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022, following a lengthy illness. 

Born on January 29,1946, Jim lived and worked in Lorain for much of his life. He attended Clearview High School where he met his wife of 56 years, Joanne.  After graduation, he started at quarterback for four years at Muskingum College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later received a Masters degree in education from Cleveland State University.   

Jim was employed for 35 years by Lorain City Schools as a high school special education teacher while also coaching football. Affectionately known as “Coach U”, Jim coached for over fifty years for multiple Lorain County schools before being inducted into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. He loved playing golf, all the Cleveland sports teams, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. 

Jim made a decision to follow Jesus in 1989 and it radically reshaped the rest of his life. He served as a long-time member of Church of the Open Door where he grew in his faith and has been a member of Camden Baptist Church for the last decade. Everyone who knew him knew he was devoted to three things: Joanne and his family, coaching high school football, and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ. 

Survivors include his wife of fifty-six years Joanne Marie Uszynski (nee: Muhich): his children, Edward (Amy) Uszynski of Xenia, Susan (John) Gerlak of New London, and Jennifer (James) Janis of Rocky River; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; his brothers, Chet (Sandi) Uszynski of Texas, Tom (Sandy) Uszynski of Washington, and Bob (Pam) Uszynski of Georgia.

He  was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Anne Uszynski (nee: Simko).