James Cleveland

James Leroy Cleveland, 79, residing in Sandusky, passed away late Thursday evening, August 25, 2022 at the Ohio Veteran’s Home following a brief illness.

James was born on July 29, 1943 in Bristol, CT to the late James Warren and Katherine Mary (Rosenbeck) Cleveland.

James graduated from Oliver Wolocott Technical High School in 1962 in Torrington, CT. James was a Veteran of the US Army who proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, serving with the First Calvary Airmobile, stationed at An Khe. He participated in many search and destroy missions, including Operation Masher, White Wing, Paul Revere and Operations Irving. Prior to going to Vietnam, he was trained to be a guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He retired from General Motors following over 45 years of service. James was a member of the Eagles, American Legion Post 83 and the VFW Post 2529. In his spare time, he enjoyed his 1964 Corvette, his 1968 Corvette named “The Froggy”, his Harley Davidson, playing softball, horseshoes, and he was always up for a good time.

James is survived by his two sons, James W. (Jaymie) Cleveland II of Monroeville and Geoffrey A. Cleveland of Milan; 5 grandchildren; sister, Darlene Samele of Torrington, CT; brother, Jerry Cleveland of Harwinton, CT and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his former wife, Marilyn R. Cleveland and brother-in-law, Carmen Samele.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Meadow Green Memorial Park Gazebo, 2606 Bogart Rd., Huron. Full military honors will be conducted at 3:00 pm by the US Army, American Legion Post 83 and VFW Post 2529. Burial will take place at a later date in Harwinton West Cemetery, Harwinton, CT. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to James’ memory may do so to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.