Obituary of James O. Emert, Jr.

As the evening sky began its crescendo Sunday, July 8, 2018, the beautiful life melody of Jim Emert came to a close.  Jim was born in Chicago to Grace and James Emert, Sr. in 1939, however, there was no denying that Jim considered Pittsburgh to be his hometown. The oldest of two, his family reflects warmly about listening to Jim, his mother, and adored younger sister, reminisce about the adventures of the old days and their love of music and books - a strong and special bond they shared.

In Jim’s younger years, he enjoyed going to summer camp where, among other things,  he learned to swim and fish. In fact, Jim’s high school swimming talent earned him a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh where he was nationally ranked.  After college, Jim married his wife, Judy (Young), and found his career track in the insurance industry.  He built his own agency and eventually retired from Nationwide Insurance as the VP of Sales.

Jim was a natural leader who had a way of making all around him smile with his quirky wit, dry sideways comments, and unique vernacular.  He was always being asked to MC events and usually ended up as president of the organizations he joined.  Jim was currently the president of the EARLYJAS Club and had been for many years.  His love of traditional jazz helped orchestrate many jazz festivals in Cleveland - the musician in him helped keep the music alive.  Over the years, Jim was a member of the renowned Eagle Jazz Band, The Sorta Forties and most recently his own Jimmy’s Jazzmen.  His intricate chords, harmonies and rhythms on the piano and banjo will be missed.

Above all, Jim loved spending time with his wife and family.  Vacations, concerts, theater series, family holidays and jazz fests topped the list, as well as being his three grandson’s number one fan on the sidelines and mentor in life. 

Surviving him is his wife of 55 years, Judy, son Jim (Stacy), daughter Sue Malson (Keith McDevitt), grandsons Tyler, Brock and Logan Malson and countless other dear relatives and friends.

Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 3 PM Saturday at the Sheraton Suites, 1989 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Friends may call Friday from 4-7 PM at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow, Ohio.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jim’s memory to EARLYJAS, P.O Box 1621, Kent, Ohio 44240, or the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, 734 E. Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203.