James "Jim" R. Amato

James “Jim” R. Amato, 79, of Port Clinton, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Edgewood Manor Nursing Center, Port Clinton, Ohio. He was born on February 13, 1943 in Sandusky, Ohio, to the late Samuel and Martha (Heston) Amato. On October 17, 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Charla S. Martin and she survives.

Jim graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1962 and attended the University of Findlay. He grew up working in the family business owned by his father, Sam Amato’s Port Clinton Sales and Service until the business closed in 1980. A handyman by nature, he became a general contractor in construction remodeling and repairing homes, which became his passion, until his stroke in 2006. He was a strong advocate in the building of the original Port Clinton Yacht Club pool in 1970.

Friendships gained through social clubs were important to Jim. Much of his time, energy and source of entertainment came from his memberships, beginning when he was a younger man he enjoyed being a member of the West Bay Hunting Club. He was President of the Port Clinton Rotary in 1973; Port Clinton Yacht Club Commodore in 2004; member of Colonial Club, as well as being a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Those who loved him understood his demeanor and sarcasm. He enjoyed fishing the waters of Lake Erie with his close lifelong friends but most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly.

Jim will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Char; daughter, Jennifer (Charlie) Headley, Edon, Ohio; son, Sam (Kerri) Amato, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren, Rachel Headley, David Headley, McKensie (Casey) Bohms, Rylee Amato, Mason Amato; great-grandchildren, Bennett Bohms and Marlie Bohms; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Jean Kokinda, Carol McLaury, and Mary Jo Mays.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 4-7 pm at the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home and Crematory, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022 from 10 am until a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11 am at the funeral home with Fr. Jonathan Wight officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 or to the Ottawa County Community Foundation, 306 Madison Street, Port Clinton, Ohio. Online condolences may be expressed at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

The family wishes to send a heartfelt Thanks to all the staff at Edgewood Manor Nursing Center for all the love and care provided to Jim.