James Michael "Jim" Strong

STRONG, James Michael, age 83, of Washington Twp., passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022. Jim was born on April 27, 1939 in Dayton, OH to the late Royal "Ted" and Ruth (Fleming) Strong. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1957. Jim then joined the U.S. Navy where he proudly was stationed as a radioman on board the U.S.S. Kretchmer and later was President of their reunions. He retired from Delco Moraine after 30 years as a Site Coordinator and then went to work for MCM Electronics in Safety Security where he retired, again. Jim was a great organizer and was instrumental in creating policies in every position he held from Delco Moraine to president of the Miamisburg Boosters Club to Kretchmer Ship Reunion Group. He could always find the best way to make things work. Jim had a passion for cars and loved his University of Dayton basketball and Ohio State football teams. He coached the Miamisburg Pee Wee Football team for 17 years and served as President of Tri Area Football Conference. Jim was very social and enjoyed his high school reunions and hanging out with fellow alumni. He loved to travel and take long drives especially in the fall to New England and the Smokies. In September, he and Carolyn drove to San Antonio, TX to attend the Kretchmer reunion. Over the past 25 years, they were able to visit 47 states. Jim’s favorite trip of all was to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. He was very proud to take his children and granddaughters for a Disney World vacation. Jim wrote skits and plays at RHS and participated in them. He enjoyed singing Doo Wop and was a member of the Roosevelt High School and Navy choirs. Jim was always complimented for his voice and was always told he should be on radio. He provided color commentary for Jamie's weekly high school football game of the week television broadcasts on the Miami Valley Cable Council. Jim never missed an episode of NCIS and watched the History Channel and the Meacham Car Auctions. He was in charge of the remote. Jim coached every Buckeyes game from the recliner in his living room and yelled so loud that the windows had to be closed so the neighbors wouldn't hear his colorful language. He knew he could do a better job managing the Cincinnati Reds than the current coach-whoever he was. From weekly dinners at Valley Vineyards where he was the expert at the grill and would instruct everyone on how to cook their steak to the many get togethers with friends, he enjoyed the conversations with everyone. Jim was sarcastic, quick witted, personable and knew how to work his audience. And he always had one. He loved his friends and family and there will never be anyone else like him. He will be missed by many, many people. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bobby; and his beloved furry companion, Casey the Cat, who accompanied him every morning at the kitchen table to work on the crossword puzzles in the newspaper. He is survived by his high school friend and loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn (Larimore); children, Jamie Strong and Dan (Jill) Strong; his adoring grandchildren, Elizabeth and Allie; and brother, Larry (Drenda) Strong; as well as many nieces, nephews, family, friends and shipmates. A special thank you to the caring staff at Kettering Medical Center. Family will receive friends 11AM-1PM on Tuesday, November 29 with a Funeral Service beginning at 1PM at ROUTSONG FUNERAL HOME, 81 N MAIN ST, CENTERVILLE. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to SICSA, 8172 Washington Church Rd, Washington Twp, OH 45458, or a charity of your choice.