James M. DeDario

James M. DeDario, age 80, of Centerville, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on August 2, 2026.

Jim was born on January 1, 1946, in Dayton, Ohio, only child to the late Mike and Jean (Fennig) DeDario-Haverstock. In his early years, he developed a love of music and singing. While attending Belmont High School, he cultivated lifelong friendships through his participation in the Word of Faith Quartet.

Jim met the love of his life, Judy Turner, by chance, when on a Youth for Christ trip to the nation’s capitol. The pair married on June 4, 1966. Over the next 60 years together, Jim and Judy created many fond memories with their growing family and their many treasured friends.

With the support of his family, Jim built his own business from scratch, launching DeDario Optical in 1990. Additionally, he would serve on the board of the Opticians Association of Ohio. Jim was also a man of faith. He and Judy were long-time members of Hope Church, where they were active in the Pacesetters group & Merkers’ Small Group, making many dear, lifelong friends. Later, the couple became members of Normandy Church in Centerville.

Above all, Jim was most proud of his family. He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Judy; sons, Jon (Karen) DeDario of Grand Rapids, MI, and Jason (Emily) DeDario of Kettering, OH; cherished grandchildren, Kyle, Justin, Elizabeth, Kennedy, Lance, Reese, and Brooks; and constant canine companion, Sugar.

Visitation for the immediate family to receive extended family and friends will be held from 10:00-11:00AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 8, at Normandy Church in Centerville (450 W Alex Bell Rd.). He will be laid to rest at an earlier date in a private burial with immediate family at David’s Cemetery in Kettering

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul of Dayton or Normandy Church Legacy Fund (Centerville OH).