James Anthony Zarifis

James Anthony Zarifis, 87, passed away November 25, 2024. He was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, NY to the late James and Angelina Zarifis.

Jim had unique distinction of being honorably discharged from the “Junior” Marines and Air Force. An avid dog enthusiast with his wife, Bea, they raised and bred bloodhounds, coonhounds, and basset hounds for about 55 years under the name Patriot Kennels. Several of their dogs were American and Canadian champions, did man-trailing to find lost kids and criminals, appeared in magazine ads commercials, and even appeared in the movie “Stardust Memories” with Jim as the trooper handling the bloodhounds.

Jim was a very sociable and giving person. As a police office in Malverne, NY, everyone knew “Jimmy”. When he retired and moved with his wife, and youngest son, Jason to become the Chief of Police in Marblehead, OH, he quickly knew everyone in town. Wherever he was, he constantly surveyed his surroundings, looking for individuals in need of assistance or companionship, always ready to share a joke or a captivating tale.

After retiring from 27 years as a police officer, he worked as a safety man for a construction company. The workers knew they were safe when “Safety Jim” was on the job.

He became an AKC and UKC dog show judge in his later years and volunteered his time at the Grafton Prison running a rehabilitation program for prisoners with companion dogs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Beatrice; children, James A. Zarifis III (Elizabeth), Faith Peters (Robert) and Jason Zarifis (Ceita); siblings Eugenia Antonino and George Zarifis (Rosemary), grandchildren, Sarah Peters (Chris Holben), Jennifer Lee (John), James Zarifis IV, Steven Zarifis, Michelle Zarifis (Ian Joaquin-Arthur), Brandon Zarifis and Alexis Zarifis, greatgrandchildren, Oceana Lee, John Lee, Josiah Lee, Jeremiah Lee, Nora Holben, Madison Holben and Faith Lee, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). 

Friends may call 2 hours prior to a 2 PM funeral service on Friday November 29, 2024, at the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. To view video tribute, send condolences, or sign the guest book, please visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com