James R. Cannaley

Jim Cannaley James Richard Cannaley, 66, of Holland, OH, died Wednesday, September 28, 2011 in an automobile accident. Jim was born March 20, 1945 in Maumee, OH to the late Evelyn and Rudy Cannaley. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodsage Holdings which is a Toledo-based tube fabrication company which employs 150 people. In 1975 he purchased J. Richard Industries, a small tube fabrication shop and grew the business to more than 300 people. One of the most interesting products that Jim developed was the fabrication of the first aluminum baseball bat. In 2001 he founded Woodsage Holdings which is the parent company of several additional companies - J. Richard Industries, Precision Cut-Off, and Woodsage Industries, all companies involved with fabrication of metal tubing. Jim was a 1963 graduate of Maumee High School where he was the Student Council President and played both basketball and football. He graduated from the University of Toledo in 1969 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Jim was a successful entrepreneur who believed in giving back to his community and was a major developer and investor in the local community and real estate. He was awarded the 2010 Maumee Distinguished Alumnus Award and was recognized for the Cannaley Memorial Scholarship which provides scholarships to Maumee High School students. Jims father passed away when Jim was 13 and Maumee High School employed his mother for more than 20 years. After this, Jim never forgot the fact that the high school provided a job for his family. After his mothers death he and his wife, Linda, formed the Cannaley Memorial Scholarship which focuses on students raised by single parents, no parents or families in need. To-date 23 students have been given the opportunity of a college career. He remained a mentor and friend to many of the recipients. Jim was a passionate philanthropist and supporter of many charities, including several which focus on animals. He often fostered Golden Retrievers who he welcomed into his home and life. Jim worked hard to earn time for well-deserved vacations. He knew how to have fun with friends on a golf course, travelling to exciting places, or at a casino. He was the person who friends and family called in times of crisis or confusion for Jims calm demeanor, insightful advice and valuable council. He made a lasting impact on so many people and he is loved and will be missed by all. Jim will be remembered always as a loving and supportive husband, brother, uncle, mentor and friend. Jim is survived by his wife and partner of 42 years, Linda Najarian; his sister, Janet Dickas Dick; mother-in-law, Margaret Najarian; special cousin Mike Hertzfeld whose father Jim was named after; 11 nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and numerous in-laws. Visitation will be Sunday 2:00 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. Toledo, OH and Monday 9:00 11:00 am at St. Richards Catholic Church, 333 Brookside Dr. Swanton, OH 43558 with a funeral Mass following. Donations can be made to the Toledo-area Golden Retriever Rescue Resource GRRR, Cannaley Memorial Scholarship fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.