James Farinacci

James R. Farinacci, Sr., age 76, of Estero, FL, died surrounded by his family on October 23, 2023 at the Frances Georgeson Hospice House in Naples, FL.  Jim was born on February 6, 1947 in Chardon, OH, a son of the late Michael J. and Charlotte (nee Vaughn) Farinacci, Sr.  He had been a resident of southwest Florida since 1999, moving from Ocala, FL where he had lived since 1993.

In 1965, he graduated from Chardon High School and then attended Kent State University, where in 1970 he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.  After college, Jim returned home and joined the family business, Farinacci Buick and Oldsmobile in Chardon.  In 1976, he began the purchase and acquisition of the dealership from his father.

In 1991, Jim sold the dealership and began working for American Vans, which later became Rocky Ridge Trucks.  In 1999, he began working for Roush Performance, selling Roush Performance Mustangs and Trucks.  With his knowledge of automobile dealerships and ability to sell their products, he became one of Roush’s top salesmen.  He eventually retired in 2019 as the South Eastern Regional Sales Manager of Roush Performance.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathleen A. “Kathie” Farinacci (nee Nick) of Estero, FL; one daughter –   Jennifer Michetti (husband Michael) of Naples, FL; three sons – James R. Farinacci, Jr. (wife Natalie) of Naples, FL, Joseph R. Farinacci (wife Vanessa) of Milton, FL, and Matthew Giddings (wife Brandi) of Montville, OH; five beloved grandchildren – William Michetti, Matthew Klingbergs, Clara Giddings, Isabella Michetti and Maria Farinacci; Jim was a brother-in-law, a uncle to many nieces and nephews and a friend of many. Jim is also survived by his canine companion Dabbie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three siblings, Gayle Farris, Sandra Felberg (husband William) and Gary Farinacci, Sr. (wife Diane). 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Chapter, 23215 Commerce Park Rd STE 300, Beachwood, OH 44122, the Alzheimer’s Support Network, 1421 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 100, Naples, FL 34109 or to Avow Foundation (please specify Avow Kids for the children’s room) 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.

Committal services for Jim officiated by Fr Jay McPhillips will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 1 PM at Maple Hill Cemetery, 13480 Auburn Rd, Munson Township, OH followed by a Celebration of Life Reception at the Western Reserve Room at Generation Center, 12809 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland. Arrangements were entrusted to THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION CENTER of CHESTERLAND