James M. Pullella

On January 17, 2025, James M. Pullella passed away surrounded by his loving family after a brave battle with cancer. He was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle and friend. 

Jim was born in Toledo, Ohio, on November 16, 1948. He was the oldest child and first son of James C. and Mary M. Pullella. 

Jim was a devoted Christian who cherished his Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He attended Bono Baptist Church and took solace in knowing the Lord was watching over him. He served as yokefellow and the church Treasurer. He also organized the church’s Wild Game Dinner Fundraiser.

A loving father and grandfather who lived to have his kids and grandkids (and others) appreciate nature in the same way he did. He was an avid hunter and a skilled fisherman. He delighted in teaching these skills to youth and helping them get their “first.” 

Jim started his work life at a young age in his family’s restaurant, Capri Pizza House. He later moved to Florida and served on the Tarpon Springs Police Department. He also worked at Withlacoochee Power and Light. Upon returning to Toledo, he worked as a Supervisor in the Security Department at Davis–Besse Nuclear Power Station. Trained as a taxidermist, he opened Jim’s New Life Taxidermy. He also was an assistant manager at Gander Mountain and worked for Tractor Supply. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James C. Pullella and Mary M (Picciuto) Pullella and sister, Diana Lynn DeStazio. He is survived by his wife Sharon; sons David (Dee) and Michael (Danielle); grandchildren Courtney, Michael and Domonic; great-grandchildren Tatum and Serenity; siblings Carol Melvin, John (Pam) Pullella, Alysia Jones; Pat Pullella, his first wife and the mother of his children. He is also survived by his stepchildren, step-grandchildren (Danielle, Makayla & Olivia) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 8, at Bono Baptist Church (967 Main St, Martin, OH 43445). Seating is limited at the church. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Luncheon immediately following the service (approximately at Noon) at the Jerusalem Township Community Building (9501 Jerusalem Road, Curtice, Ohio 43412).

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Bono Baptist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice in memory of James M. Pullella. 

 The memory of Jim Pullella will forever be cherished in our hearts. “Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”