James R. Gatts, Sr.

James R. Gatts, Sr., age 61, of  Dellroy, Ohio died Saturday morning, September 28, 2019 in  the Mercy Medical Center at Canton following an extended illness.

He was born August 17, 1958 in Wheeling, West Virginia and was the son of the late Jack and Ida M. Bice Gatts.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Bice.

Jim was a retired truck driver for K. Hovanian Homes in Canton, Ohio and was a 1976 graduate of the former Jewett-Scio High School. He appreciated classic muscle cars and looked forward to attending the Atwood Lake Fall Festival Car Show each year.  He loved listening to music, playing the guitar, and was particularly fond of playing video games. He helped to care for his grandson Jackson, with whom he had a particularly close relationship and was present for all of his milestones.  He was a caring husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by his family and friends.. 

He is survived by his wife Deborah Ann Elliot Gatts, whom he married May 1, 1983, his four children Brandi Gatts and James R. Gatts, Jr., both of the residence, Amy Gatts of Scio, OH,  and Mrs. Cindy (Bobby) Frances of Smithfield, OH,  a brother Richard (Rhonda) Bice of Jewett, OH,  two sisters, Sue Bice of Cadiz, OH and  Mrs. Melanie (Melvin) Byers of Hopedale, OH, and his five grandchildren Grant, Owen, Olivia, Sean and Jackson.

Funeral services will be conducted  at 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 2, 2019 in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with Chaplain Steve Kimbrel officiating.  Calling hours will be held Wednesday one hour prior to services in the funeral home.  To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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