Jim K. Marshall

Jim K. Marshall, of Fairlawn, Ohio, passed away on October 22, 2026, at the age of 95. He was born on September 8, 1931, in Midvale, Ohio, to Kenneth James Marshall and Verna Maude Marshall.

Jim lived a life rooted in learning, family, and a deep love of the natural world. He graduated from Otterbein with a teaching degree and later earned his master’s in Geology from Akron University. He went on to serve as a science teacher for Akron City Schools for 35 years, shaping young minds with patience and dedication. For 16 years of his teaching career, he was involved in outdoor education, bringing students closer to the world around them in meaningful and lasting ways. His work extended beyond the classroom as well, with summer roles that included heading up the Youth Conservation Corp. and serving as a naturalist, leading hikes and major programs at Punderson State Park.

Nature was one of Jim’s great joys. Jim knew and understood that all of Nature was God the Fathers creation, he had a deep love and faith for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jim's love of nature and all of God's creation was shared with his wife Rosemary, they enjoyed their time in nature together. He loved being a geologist and took delight in collecting rocks and plants, and in exploring all that nature had to offer. That same spirit of curiosity and appreciation for the outdoors touched so much of his life and was shared generously with those around him. 

Jim will also be remembered for the warmth and energy he brought to his family. He was always quick to help, and he found real happiness in simple, loving moments—getting down on the floor to wrestle and play with his grandchildren, enjoying camping trips with his children and grandchildren, and taking family photos to preserve memories he could revisit again and again. These were not small things to him; they were the heart of a life well lived and deeply shared.

On June 12, 1955, in New Philly, Ohio, Jim married the love of his life, Rosemary Ruth Marshall. Together they shared 71 years of marriage, building a family that remained at the center of his world. He is survived by Rosemary; by his children Jeffrey Marshall and Marjory, Brent Marshall and Linda, Martin Marshall and Yvonne, and Dana Fisher and Kenneth; and by his daughter-in-law, Lee Ann Marshall.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: James Marshall; Jonathan Marshall and Danielle; David Norman and Stephanie; Daniel Norman and Julie; Sean Humphrys and Dawn; Amanda Planz and Tyler; Jessica Teeven and Casey; Larissa Hedrick and Adam; Sarah Marshall and Luke; Joshua Marshall and Lynn; Phillip Marshall and Kanami; Rachel Marshall; Donald Marshall; and Stehanie Miller and Billy. Jim’s legacy continues as well in his 33 great-grandchildren, each of whom was part of the large and loving family he cherished so deeply. He is further survived by his brother David Marshall and Cindy, and by his sisters-in-law, Linda Marshall and Alta Marshall.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth James Marshall and Verna Maude Marshall; by his son, Steven Marshall; by his sister, Nancy Gilmore and Vern; and by his brothers, Donald and William Marshall.

A service honoring Jim's life will be 3:00pm Sunday, November 8, 2026 at MissionView Church, 1330 W Maple Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720 with Pastor Dave Whitman officiating. A reception of light refreshments will be immediately following the service at MissionView Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Summit Missions International, https://summitmissions.org/give.

Jim’s life was one of devotion—to education, to the beauty of the outdoors, and above all to his family. He leaves behind a treasury of memories, from hikes and camping trips to laughter on the living room floor and photographs that captured the people he loved most. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

To leave a memory or a special message to Jim's family please visit the guest book below.