James R. DeGregory

James R. DeGregory

Passed away surrounded by family, peacefully December 31, 2025, at 10:57 am.

“ The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why,”--Mark Twain

Jim DeGregory was born in New Castle, PA on June 5th 1932, the first of four children of Louis and Irene DeGregory weighing over 12 pounds. Anyone with in ear shot knew when he was born that day.

He graduated as an officer from Youngstown State University ROTC and served in the Korean War. He received his Masters of Literature from John Carroll University. He taught at YSU and Poland Seminary High School from 1965-1982. Jim ( Mr. D ) headed the Drama dept., directed many plays and musicals and taught Journalism and English.

His legacy lives on in his 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, along with countless colleagues and students he inspired. He was a teacher 24/7, the man didn’t need a chalk board.

“ Education is not a filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”- William Butler Yeats

Days before Jim’s passing he could be found editing or composing a script or short story. His creative passions were reignited later in life and gave him renewed energy and purpose. His daughter, Cheryl said, “He couldn’t find a TV remote but boy he could create words for another page.”

However God had other plans Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

“All though we will miss Dad, we know that our care for him was part of God’s plan and we are Blessed and Honored for that privilege.” – The DeGregory Family

God being the great author wrote in Psalm 139 “All our days were written before we were Born.”

Jim’s stories will live on in memories, plays, musicals and many authored stories. We are Grateful.

Those who survive celebrate his spirit that continues to guide them: children, Cheryl Marie DeGregory of Austintown, Ohio , Philip DeGregory of Huntington Beach, CA, Elena ( Curt) Shepherd of North Canton Ohio, and James ( Meghan ) DeGregory of Girard, Ohio; grandchildren , Curtis ( Alexis) Shepherd, Stephanie Shepherd, Vincent DeGregory Zayas, Alex ( Mary ) Saunders, Austin ( Grace) DeGregory, Sean McCartney and Nicholas DeGregory; great-grandchildren, Bear and Rex Shepherd, and his beloved sister, Janora Slifko. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley DeGregory; second wife, Sara DeGregory; daughter, Cheryl Ann DeGregory; and brothers, Ralph( Nancy) DeGregory and Louis( Theresa ) DeGregory, Jr., and son-in-law , Curt Shepherd.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the First Lieutenant James R. DeGregory ROTC Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44502. You can also give online at ysufoundation.org by clicking “Give Now” and following the prompts.