Richard Allen James, age 73 of Northfield Center, OH, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026. He is the beloved husband of Monica (nee Tyboroski); loving father of Michael (Amanda) James and Brian (Jessica) James; cherished Papa of David, Michael, Zach, Casey (Abby), Gabe, Kiley, Bella, Lilly, Allie, Sophia, and Max “Moe” James; and dear brother of Susan (Ken) Rufin. He is also survived by his cherished dogs, Ruffles and Zeus.
Rich was a proud firefighter, serving his community on the Northfield Village and Northfield Center Fire Departments. He also worked for the private ambulance companies AMR and CCAN, served on the Summit County Hazmat Team, ran his own business installing security systems in private residences, and was an EMT-B Instructor at CVCC and Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital. He was a Freemason of Summit Lodge #213 and a Trustee of Northfield Center Township from 1998-2001.
In his free time, Rich loved HAM radio. His call sign was N8FIL. He also enjoyed gardening and maintaining his pool for the grandkids. You could often find him working in his garage, and his family fondly remembers him always asking “where’s my tools?” Most of all, Rich loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was very loved and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in his memory to the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr, Valley View, OH 44125 (www.animalshelter.
Friends will be received from 4-7 PM Monday, February 2, 2026 and from 10-11 AM Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Busch-Romito Funeral Home, 99 W. Aurora Rd. (Rt. 82 One Mile West of Rt. 8) Northfield, OH 44067 where funeral services will begin at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. www.buschcares.com
