| Graduation Year | Class of 1949 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 16, 2010 |
| About | James L. Mechaney, age 80, passed away peacefully at North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, following a brief illness. He was born November 3, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of James L. and Josephine Meade Mechaney. James graduated from Lash High School Zanesville, Ohio in 1949. He entered the U.S. Air Force November 1950, and was on a B26 which was shot down July 1952 over Korea. He was Missing in Action for 13 months and then released as a POW by the Communists in 1953. Among the numerous medals he was awarded, were the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his dedicated service in the U.S. Air Force. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Jean Ann Saltzbaugh in 1954, then continued his education graduating from Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio. He moved to Gainesville in 1990 from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He spent most of his life in the insurance business working for Northwestern Mutual Life and Foremost Insurance Company. He retired from Gallagher Bassett Services in Gainesville in 2004. Jim was an avid sports fan, college and professional and loved to play golf and cards with his friends. Jim will be deeply missed and never forgotten. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean Ann Mechaney, on December 19, 2006; and infant brother, Jerry. He is survived by three sons, Matthew James Mechaney of Inglis, FL, Michael Scott Mechaney of Gainesville, FL, and Christopher L. Mechaney of Ada, MI; and three grandsons, Scott Mechaney, Ryan Mechaney and Garret Mechaney; five sisters, Jo Ann (Carl) Clapper, Jacque (Tom) Shank, Jody (Carl) Safreed, Jennifer Gates, all of Canton, OH, and Judy (Jack) Ecrement of Fort Scott, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends and relatives. Burial will be in Zanesville Memorial Park. |
