With gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of John "Jack" Fisher Herman at the age of 82 in Stow, Ohio. He passed peacefully of natural causes in his home on July 8, 2025.

Jack was born in Akron, Ohio on June 23, 1943 to Claude and Genevieve Herman, the fourth of their ten children, and grew up on the farm they had established in nearby Stow.

He went on to study philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, establishing him as a lifelong fan of both Fighting Irish football and arguments over Life's Great Questions. While pursuing his law degree at Ohio State, Jack married Mimi Willmott, whom he had known since childhood. Their 57 married years, and the life and family they built together, were his greatest joy.

In 1969, Jack began practicing law alongside his father Claude. Their years working together became the foundation of his long career, and the downtown Akron tower where they shared offices was his work home for his entire 50+ years as an attorney. Jack eventually came to specialize in probate law, helping families navigate the loss of a loved one; he measured his own success not in terms of earnings or notoriety, but by the extent to which he helped his clients with their problems. The enthusiasm he brought to his law practice was fueled by his joy in interacting with his clients, colleagues, and co-workers: To share an elevator with Jack also meant sharing a conversation with him.

Jack's delight in connecting with people defined his home life as well. As he and Mimi raised their four children in then-Northampton township, they formed countless relationships with neighbors, fellow church parishioners, and other school parents that grew into lifelong friendships. In 1985, Jack and his family moved back to his childhood home, and soon built a new house overlooking the lake on the property. Caring for that homestead became his passion project for four decades, always with the goal of creating a place to welcome his friends, children, grandchildren, and the many siblings and in-laws making up his substantial extended family. He knew that the many memories created there would long outlast him - a fact which gave him great satisfaction.

In his later decades, Jack delighted in spending time with his eight grandchildren as they grew to adulthood. He also discovered a love of travel: he and Mimi returned often to their favorite destinations in Chautauqua, NY, Niagara on the Lake, and St. John in the Virgin Islands. He could usually be found outdoors, whether camping, cycling, or making the maple syrup he delighted in giving away. He appreciated the beauty of a nesting great blue heron, a coyote's call, or a sunrise over the lake nearly as much as he did a freshly mown field, an old Ford tractor, or a good chainsaw (or four).

Jack leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years Mimi Herman, his 4 Children Joe (Larissa) Herman (Ambler, Pa.), Cathy (Rob) Powers (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Phil (Lisa) Herman (Stow), and Mike (Katie) Herman (Stow), his eight grandchildren Leo and Claire Herman; Liam, Laura and Ryan Powers; Olivia and Hayden Herman; and Ivory Herman. He is survived by his siblings Tom Herman (Flint, MI), Terry Sissons (Novi, MI), Bernadette Herman (Deerfield, IL) Bob Herman (Cathy Lee) (Detroit, MI), Cathy Fredericks (Lake Ariel, PA), Dorothy Herman Papp (Stonington, CT.), and step-sisters Mary Jean Hinkle and Ellen Shacklett. He is preceded in death by his siblings Richard Herman, Lawrence Herman, Mary Herman, and step sisters Marjorie Burkley and Dorothy Reynolds.

While we are saddened by his passing, we are so very proud to be part of his legacy and take the gifts and wisdom he imparted to share with others.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to:

American Red Cross, or

Central American Medical Outreach (camo.org) ATTN: Nutrition Program

322 Westwood Ave.

Orville, OH 44667

THOSE WISHING TO JOIN THE FAMILY IN A CELEBRATION OF JACK'S LIFE ARE INVITED TO GATHER ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 FROM 3-7PM AT SILVER LAKE COUNTRY CLUB, 1325 GRAHAM ROAD, STOW, OH 44224