James H. Lynch

Jim was born and raised in East Palestine and was the son of the late Michael and Frieda (Herbert) Lynch. He married Mary T. McCarthy in 1951. Jim was a 1948 graduate of East Palestine High School and a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Jim served in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952. He was a member of the East Palestine High School Boosters Club, the East Palestine Country Club, the American Legion Color Guard, was a Little League manager and umpire, and was a Lifetime Member of The Eagles Aerie 1506, serving as an endman in the City and Eagles Minstrel Shows. Jim also served on the East Palestine City Council and was the Mayor of East Palestine from 1972 to 1975.

Jim worked many years for Franklin Furniture/Sterns and Foster in Columbiana, Ohio. He also worked for the East Palestine Police Department, and with his wife owned both the Plaza and Bulldog Country Cottage Restaurants. A notorious schmoozer, Jim never met a stranger. He enjoyed golf, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jim is survived by his daughter Colleen Beesinger; his two sons Michael and Mark (Tiffany) Lynch; his sister Barbara Lynch; sister-in-law Eileen (Dale) Bird; grandchildren Rachel (Elizabeth) Blake, Cody (Amanda) Lynch, Jason (A. J.) Beesinger, Jennifer Lynch, Mary Kate Beesinger and Kerry (Luis) Garcia; great-granddaughter Celeste Lynch; and by many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary T. Lynch; his daughter, Kathleen Lynch; his son-in-law, Dr. David Beesinger; and his beloved pooch, Fifty.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Linsley-Royal Funeral Home (www.linsley-royal.com) in East Palestine. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the East Palestine Area Social Concerns.

5/15/23