James Dean Mashburn

He had a smile that was warm, friendly and generous ... with just a hint of mischief. When you were lucky enough to know James "Jimmy" Mashburn or to meet him for the first time, that was the smile you were given.

A much admired and well-respected coach and teacher, Mashburn left the world far too soon after a tragic auto accident took the 32-year-old's life on January 21, leaving those he left behind with a profound, unimaginable loss.

An Akron native, Mashburn was a graduate of Coventry High School and the University of Akron, where he had a concentration in special education. He taught and guided a host of students, working as a teacher and football coach with the Stow-Munroe Falls and Green school districts.
"He was a big supporter of mental health, especially for his students and athletes," says Grace Mashburn of her husband, who also worked tirelessly as an intervention specialist.

Mashburn leaves behind a significant contribution to the teaching and coaching profession, and to those he loved and who loved him back including: his wife of 17 months, Grace Mashburn (nee Pieri), their dog, Lola; his parents Jim and Priscilla Mashburn, and sister April Mashburn; in-laws Mike and MaryAlice Pieri; sisters-in-law Jes Pieri (Joe Jaklitch) and Bella Pieri, along with many friends and relatives.

Jimmy's Final Play Call Celebration will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, 12 - 4 p.m., with a eulogy beginning at 3 p.m., at the Coventry Middle School gymnasium, 3257 Cormany Road, Akron, OH 44319.

Jimmy liked dressing casually and comfortably. Honor him by doing the same. And, if you're inclined, he favored wearing black.

Donations may be made to Child Guidance & Family Solutions, which specializes in services providing treatment of mental health issues for children, adults and families at 330-762-0591 and info@cgfs.org. and to the Mashburn Athletic Scholarship Fund@Coventry High School Alumni.

"Death and Love are the two wings that bear the man to Heaven." Michelangelo