James Edward Agin

Mr. James Agin, age 86, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children after a long, hard-fought battle with ALS.

Jim was born in Cincinnati, OH to Edward Agin and Irene Carson. Jim joined the United States Air Force in 1954 and served our country for the next four years. After serving in the Air Force, Jim met, fell in love and later married Patricia Ann McKay of Cincinnati, Ohio on August 29, 1958.

Jim and Pat settled down & started their family in Greenhills, Ohio, where he became a Volunteer Firefighter.

Barber by trade, Jim was an all-around handyman who could literally fix anything.

Jim was a generous, giving man. He donated his time, abilities and expertise whenever he could. He served as a Boy Scout leader as well as a youth group leader. He was also a volunteer fishing instructor for underprivileged kids through the Buckeye Fly Fishing Club. Later, he joined Honor Flight Tri-State, where he was active right up until his death.

Jim was actively involved in his children’s school, North College Hill. He served many years as a volunteer athletic trainer in addition to his involvement in the NCH band boosters. He put in countless hours planning and managing the concession stands for football and basketball games. In 2021, Jim was inducted into the NCH Hall of Fame as a result of his involvement and the hours he devoted to North College Hill schools.

Jim discovered new interests and ways to participate after his kids were grown and gone. He began clogging, but when he realized that he couldn’t tell his right foot from his left foot, he decided country line dancing was more his style. When ALS made it difficult for him to dance, his beloved wife held him up and scooted him around the dance floor anyway.

Jim was also an accomplished woodworker. He created pens, military plaques, unique side tables, and many other beautiful pieces. Each year, he crafted a special Christmas ornament which he gave to his friends and family. He also made a beautiful doll house for his granddaughters and highchairs for their dolls. His creations were beautiful and are in homes all over the city.

Long journeys to nowhere were one of Jim’s all-time favorite pastimes. There were no maps or GPS devices allowed. He’d simply hop in his car and start driving. Most people would say he got lost but not Jim, he could always find his way back home. As his ALS progressed, he had to stop driving but his children picked up the slack by taking him on his beloved drives and letting him be their steering wheel.

Jim was truly one of a kind. He never knew a stranger and if you were lucky enough to be his friend or neighbor, you knew his kindness well. Quite the jokester, he virtually always wore one of his coveted t-shirts with a funny saying and he made sure you noticed it if you didn’t comment on it. Along with his beloved t-shirts, he always wore his Air Force Veteran ball cap.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Agin, children, Tom (Amy) Agin, Terri (Dale) Weiler, Tim (Shonya) Agin, grandchildren, Tabitha (Matthew) Winstel, Gina (Emily) Rosiello, Mackenzie (Joshua) Elrod, Alyssa (Lindsay) Willis, Mallorie (Tim) Meyung, Erika (Justice) Bailey, Colton (Brooklyn) Agin, Tanner (Aubrey) Agin, 8 great-grandchildren, siblings, Larry Agin, Barry Agin, Connie Francis and Craig (Teri) Carson and many extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Mack and Francis Agin and step-mother, Doreen Agin.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on November 11, 2022 at LifeSpring Christian Church, 1373 W Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with the funeral following at 6:00 p.m. Jim will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Gardens at a future date.

Jim was a proud Air Force veteran, and the family has requested those attending wear some red, white and blue in his honor.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to one of these organizations:

Your local ALS organization

Cincinnati Veteran’s Hospital – https://www.va.gov/cincinnati-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/

Honor Flight Tri-State – Honor Flight Tri-State 8627 Calumet way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249