James "Jay" Paul Herring

 James "Jay" P. Herring, age 84, of Munroe Falls, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on March 2, 1941, in Akron, Ohio, Jay was the beloved son of the late Stephen and Sarah (Quinn) Herring. Throughout his life, Jay found joy in many hobbies, friendships, and accomplishments that brought meaning and purpose to his days.

Jay had a lifelong love of cars, beginning in his younger years when he built hot rods. He was a proud member of the Cool Cat Car Cruisers for over 20 years, and his passion for classic cars never faded. He also enjoyed his time as a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Eagle’s Club and fondly remembered his early years taking accordion lessons at Happy Hanks, dancing with the Indian Club at the YMCA and participation in the Akron Soap Box Derby from 1952 to 1955. Jay was also a member of Little People of American beginning in 1957.

A 1960 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Jay went on to dedicate his career as a skilled machinist and tool and die maker, retiring from RF Cook. He also shared his love of sports by coaching basketball at St. Joseph's Catholic School.

Jay was a man of quiet faith and a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and most recently, St. Eugene Catholic Church.

Above all, Jay cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a loyal friend. Jay was loved by all that knew him. If you didn’t know him, you knew he was the little guy on the red scooter.

He is deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Pamala Herring; his children, Kevin (Deborah) Herring, Michael (Stacey) Herring, and Tamara Herring; and his grandchildren, Nicole (Phil) Riley, Courtney (Bart) Kitko, Ryan (Abby) Herring, Amanda Herring, Lucy Herring (fiancé Thomas Salazar), and Clara Herring. He also leaves behind his cherished great-granddaughter, Sadie Herring-Kitko, as well as many extended family members and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Jeannine Morris, Jackie Semonin and brother Jerry Herring. The four J’s.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2:00pm at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 1821 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Guests are invited to visit with the family prior to the service, from 12:00-2:00 pm, also at the church. Jay will be laid to rest privately at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jay’s memory may be made to Little People of America (LPA) at https://www.lpaonline.org/donate 

We would like to thank the Munroe Falls Fire Department for always assisting Jay when we needed extra help. Special thanks to Lee.