James H Fern

James "Gabby" Henry Fern, 88, of Elyria, OH died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, January

21, 2025. One of five siblings, he was born December 7, 1936, in Johnstown, PA to Charles "Pap-Pap" &

Elsie Ramsell Fern (Nord).

He is survived in death by his sister Barbara Ann; his wonderful wife of 66 years Barbara Gail (Brada);

four children, Cindy Ivancic (Jerry), Cathy Rue (Randy), Cheryl Lawles (Evan) & Barbara Verhoff (Gary);

six grandchildren, James Eric, Chad, Greg (Jenni), Laura (Andrew), Amber (Errol) & step-grandchild

Jerry Ivancic Jr.; and seven great-grandchildren; Zach & Alex, Ryleigh, Elizabeth & Alison, Jericho &

Joshua.

Jim worked for the US Steel Corp (USX) for 33 years as a painter, before officially beginning retirement

at the blooming age of 80 from Russell Berkebile as a medical courier. Serving as treasurer of his

chapter of the GWRRA (F2, Amherst, OH), he enjoyed bowling & golfing, and was a loyal fan of WWE

wrestling and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball. "All in!"

Anyone that met Gabby had a story to tell about him. Stories were his life. His innate ability to ensure

those around him felt special & understood weaved a timeless legacy of togetherness, creating a legend

out of the man belovingly dubbed "Pappaw."

Per his wishes, he was cremated with no traditional service. The family will be posting a tribute page on

Legacy.com to share memories & photos, a separate link for contributions, and details regarding a future

celebration of life event.