James I. Conway

James I Conway, returned to his heavenly home on July 19, 2020. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him over the past couple of years as his health began to decline, and ultimately gave him the peace to go home to his Lord and Savior. James was born to the late Elisha and Winnie (nee Napier) Conway in Perry Co., Kentucky on March 26, 1931. He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and upon completion of his service, went to Morehead College to become a teacher. After graduation, he accepted a position as a teacher in Waynesville, OH, where he would teach, coach and leave an impact on students for 26 years. During summers, he partnered with his brother, Berton to use his skills to build homes around the Lebanon area. James was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend, Louise, on November 25, 1954 at Church of Christ in Van Cleve, Kentucky. They moved to Ohio in 1957 where they built a life in Lebanon, raising their daughter, Bonnie, and ultimately watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. His life was spent in devotion to his family, with many trips, meals, and projects carried out in his love for his brothers, sisters, and their spouses, and his many nieces and nephews. When James wasn’t spending time with his family, he devoted his time to building God’s family. For nearly 60 years he and Louise faithfully attended and supported Red Lion United Methodist Church. In 1976, he became a member of the Gideons International, where he especially enjoyed giving Bibles to students at the local schools and colleges. James’s last days were surrounded by those who deeply loved him-his wife, Louise of 65 years; his daughter Bonnie (Richard) Green; his grandchildren Michael Green, Laura (Justin) Gregg, and Joshua (Katie) Green, his great-grandchildren Reagan, Gideon, & Addie, and his sister, Bessie (Jim) Shimp and sisters in law, Geraldine, Anita, Margaret, and Carol Conway, Norma King, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Berton, Hubert, Lewis, and David Conway and his parents. Visitation will be on Saturday, July 25th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home, 6850 Roosevelt Avenue, Middletown, OH 45005 with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1:30 pm with Rev. Sandy Vogele officiating. Interment will follow at Miami Valley Memory Gardens. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Gideons International or Red Lion UMC. To protect James’s love ones, all mourners are requested to wear masks and follow social distancing protocols. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bakerstevensparramore.com