James A. D'Onofrio

James A. D'Onofrio passed away suddenly at his farm April 25,2023. He was 90 years old. Born Jan. 21,1933 in Mound City, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Antonio (from Rome Italy), Mother Eta Data D’Onofrio, and brother Robert.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years Barbara, daughter Caroline Schorr, and son Jason A. D'Onofrio. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and served as a Combat Engineer, specializing in Explosive Ordinance.

He graduated from Western High School in Detroit Michigan, where he won many track meets. After serving in the military, he went to the Detroit electronics school and worked for General Motors, attended classes, and earned his journeyman license. He attended many technical schools including Dana Corporation, Sinclair College and Case Western.

Jim retired after a 40 yr. career in the automotive field. He began his teaching career at The Skill Center in Detroit, Michigan, then at Morgan High School in McConnelsville, then taught the first graduating class of Tri County Vocational School in Nelsonville and eventually retired from the Pickaway Ross Career Center in Chillicothe.

In the early 1970's he built his own 1800 square foot block building on the farm and opened “Jim's Cycle Barn". He sold and repaired competition dirt bikes and equipment as well as sponsoring some riders. Later he transitioned into Volkswagen repair and renamed the business “Jim’s Bug and Buggy Barn”. During this time was a trouble shooter for Volkswagen Corporation of America which sent him traveling to numerous states as an advisor for Volkswagen dealerships.

Following his first open-heart surgery in 1982 he transitioned away from working in his own full-time business and returned to teaching. While at Tri-County he developed a summer pilot program of small engine maintenance and repair for young adults with learning disabilities, even driving the bus to pick up and deliver the students to ensure that they could attend the course. He also held the first evening ladies auto maintenance program at Tri County.

While at Pickaway-Ross several of his students won the state’s annual Trouble Shooting contest. They were flown to New York city to the National Car Show where they met several NASCAR drivers, received various prizes and a two-day tour of the city.

He was a Certified Master Mechanic in Automotive Technology and was a certified ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Program Evaluator. In this capacity he was called to dozens of schools in multiple states where automotive technology was taught to certify their instructional programs, ensuring they met the current established standards.... This included several prisons that had automotive programs for inmates that assisted them with reentry into the job force upon being released. He was not fond of those assignments and often mentioned how no screwdrivers or sharp tools were allowed in their tool shed.

Many accolades and awards were presented to him over the years for his achievements. He was especially proud of his own written program he developed while at Tri-County. It was entered in a national competition and took first place in the nation. He was flown to Fort Lauderdale and presented a beautiful gold ring from the ASE.

He was a member of numerous organizations. His most active were the Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club, Olivedale Seniors Center of Lancaster, Logan Senior Center, Hocking County Historical Society, member of New Hope Church in Gore, and attended Mennonite Turkey Run Church. While constantly working on the Monday Creek Farm for over 60yrs, he and his wife raised goats and he was sometimes called upon to judge workbooks in the 4-H skill-a-thon.

The last year saw some of the greatest joys in his 90 years of life. He was able to walk his beautiful daughter in her pretty white gown down the aisle to be married, and he and his wife were able to hold a bible while their son Jason was sworn in as a Hocking County Commissioner. He was a proud father, a loyal husband, a great friend, and will be missed so deeply by so many.

At his request there was a very private graveside service held at the Ebenezer Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Steve Hubbard officiating and Pastor Mike Bender conducting the closing prayer. The family asks that in lieu of cards or flowers, please consider donating in his memory to: Friends of Hocking County EMS, 450 State Route 664 North, Logan Ohio 43138.

Arrangements are by Cardaras Funeral Home, 183 E. Second St., Logan.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com