James Richard Critell passed away peacefully after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer, on Sunday July 5, 2026.

James was born April 15, 1952, to Robert and Agnes Davis Critell.

A loving husband to Mary Ann of almost 44 years and proud father and father-in-law to Matthew (Monica), Katie (James Goppert), and Jonathon (Erika), Jim/Jimmy - as most knew him - took great pride in serving the needs of others. During his life well lived, Jim took the lessons applied to him while receiving a Master of Divinity at the Athenaeum of Ohio by serving the Catholic Youth Soccer League as coach, director, and proud sideline dad. Jimmy could often be found supporting various groups and agencies at his parish of St. Luke in Boardman as well. These efforts were all in accompaniment with a forty - plus year career serving both Portage and Mahoning County Boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Jim’s passion for all things in life, especially his love of his favorite teams the Philadelphia Flyers and Indiana Hoosiers, reached its peak as the title of Papa to his beautiful granddaughters Madelyn, Ellie (Matt and Monica), Grace, Hope (James and Katie), and Lilijana, Mia, and Francesca (Jonathon and Erika).

A Memorial Mass will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 8th at St. Luke Parish5235 South Ave. Boardman.

In Lieu of flowers the Critell family request material; tributes to Saint Jude Children Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN. 38105.

The Pancreatic Cancer Acton Network Donation processing center P.O. Box 5041 Boone IA. 50950

Family will receive family and friends following the service in the church hall.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.

Family and friends of James may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the Critell family.