James R. Pillar

Memorial services for James R. Pillar age 62 will be 3:00 PM Sunday November 3, 2019 at the Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave., Painesville. Family and friends may call from 1-3 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

Jim was born February 7, 1957 in Painesville and passed away October 26, 2019 at Altercare of Mentor.

Jim grew up in Painesville and was a proud member of the Harvey High School graduating class of 1975.

From Punt, Pass & Kick to Little League to Harvey Wrestling, Baseball and Football Jim has given lots of great memories to the Painesville sports community.  He excelled in football, baseball, wrestling and track and earned a number of local Player of the Week trophies, First team All Lake County and first team All-State award his senior year. Jim was one of only a few athletes in Ohio to earn All-State recognition in two sports in the same year.

Following graduation, Jim earned a scholarship to play football and baseball at Baldwin Wallace College. His successful freshman year earned attention from Major League Baseball scouts before a shoulder injury shut down his collegiate sports career.

In Jim’s senior year when independent Harvey High School’s football team played one of the toughest schedules in the Ohio (against two recent state champs and undefeated Lake Catholic team) Pillar ran for 1,126 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the last game of the season against rival Riverside High School Jim ran for 163 yards and scored the fourth quarter winning touchdown with a broken ankle.

In February 2018 the Harvey High School Athletic Boosters inducted Jim Pillar into the Harvey High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

As an adult Jim coached, volunteered and worked with Painesville Little League, played on Men’s Slo-Pitch and Senior League teams, and enjoyed men’s golf leagues. Jim served as President of the Hungarian Culture Club.

Jim was employed as Facilities Manager by Case Western Reserve University and as a Project Manager by Harbor Roofing for many years.

He is survived by his daughter Megan Pillar, brothers Rick, Gary Mcelwain, Mark Pillar, sister Lynne McBride.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Pillar and Clara Settler.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in care of Megan Pillar during calling hours or mailed to Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave., Painesville.

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