James (“Jim”) F. Sommers, Jr., 60, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Hospice of Western Reserve in Westlake, Ohio, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 15, 1964, in Toledo, Ohio, to James and Louise Sommers (Ruch), both of whom preceded him in death. 

In his youth, Jim was a standout athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. He was also a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts, proudly earning the distinguished Eagle Scout award in December 1979.  Jim graduated from Clay High School Oregon, Ohio in 1982 and went on to study Business at the University of Toledo and Malone University, Canton. 

At the time of his passing, Jim was a Senior IT Recruiter at Korn Ferry, where he was known for his professionalism and commitment to his work. Outside of his career, Jim was a passionate and highly regarded photographer. His ultimate favorite subject to photograph was his son, Luke, and the Wadsworth baseball and football teams that Luke played for.  Jim traveled to breathtaking locations such as Iceland, Death Valley, the National Parks (which were very special to him), Utah and Arizona. His dedication to capturing the perfect shot often took him on thrilling adventures, where no amount of time or effort was too great to get the perfect picture. Over time, Jim developed a deep love for photographing the rodeo and barrel racing, and his exceptional work earned him the honor of Photographer of the Year multiple times. 

Jim was the proud father of his son, Luke, who survives him. He is also survived by his devoted partner, Angela Bennion, who strongly stood by his side throughout his battle with cancer; his sister, Julie Swanson (Jim); nephew, Sam Keller; and niece, Carrie Keller. 

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on through his family, his work, and the many memories he created. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Dreaming of Three, American Cancer Society, or Hospice of Western Reserve, Westlake, Ohio. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service following at 6:00 p.m. at the Cox-McNulty Funeral Home, 1376 High Street, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281.