James Amato Obituary

James "Jim" R. Amato

Feb 13, 1943 - Nov 5, 2022

Port Clinton

James "Jim" R. Amato, 79, of Port Clinton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Edgewood Manor Nursing Center, Port Clinton.

He was born Feb. 13, 1943, in Sandusky, to the late Samuel and Martha (Heston) Amato. He married his high school sweetheart, Charla S. Martin on Oct. 17, 1964, 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 West Bay Hunting Club. He was President of the Port Clinton Rotary in 1973, Port Clinton Yacht Club Commodore in 2004, and 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 of Edon; son, Sam (Kerri) Amato of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren, Rachel Headley, David Headley, McKensie (Casey) Bohms, Rylee Amato, and Mason Amato; great-grandchildren, Bennett Bohms and Marlie Bohms; and 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 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home and Crematory, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton. Additional visitation will be 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, until the time of Jim's celebration of life at 11 a.m. 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 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.