James "Jim" Rodger Marazza

James “Jim” Rodger Marazza, age 93, passed away on March 7, 2025. Born on December 20, 1931, in Alliance, Ohio, he was the beloved son of the late James and Bernice Marazza.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955 aboard the USS Wisconsin. He remained deeply connected to his fellow veterans through his membership in the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In 1995, he and his wife relocated from Canton, Ohio, to Avon Park, Florida, where he became an active member of the Crystal Lake Association and a devoted congregant of Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara Marazza; his children, Jodine Borne (Tommy) of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Mark Marazza (Karan) of Massillon, OH; and Jeffrey Tharp (Amber) of Neenah, WI; five cherished grandchildren; and eight adored great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Wendy Ernsberger, and his brother Lawrence Marazza.

Jim had a passion for life that shone through in everything he did. He loved golfing, reading, and watching Western movies. He would often share stories about his time in the Navy. A talented cook, he was especially known for his famous spaghetti, a recipe he lovingly passed down to his grandchildren. He could always be found tinkering around the house, fixing anything in need of repair, a testament to his resourcefulness and wisdom. His sense of humor was sharp, his heart was kind, and his devotion to his family was unwavering.

Jim will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love and gratitude.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 324 E Main St., Avon Park, FL 33825.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to Jim’s heart.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870