BOARDMAN – James Davis Ament, 81, died at home Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, after a long illness.

Jimmy was born Jan. 5, 1930, in Youngstown, Ohio.

Jimmy had been employed as a car salesman until his disability retirement in 1970.
He had often won various honors of distinction for his outstanding sales performances.

Jimmy was better known for his lifetime career as a musician and band leader. He was an accomplished saxophone and clarinet player. He is best known for his original polka music when he collaborated with Steve Garchar during the 1950s. He continued by forming numerous bands throughout his lifetime such as The Oasis Quintet, The Jimmy Ament Organ Combo and the Jimmy Ament Orchestra.
His music also focused on Jazz and was enjoyed by many for weddings, dances and various charity events.

Jimmy served in the National Guard, was a member of the Federation of Musicians Union and was a member of the Good Hope Lutheran Church.

He spent his retirement years enjoying his family, listening to music, reading books, doing a variety of artwork and gardening.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, the former Rose Pierko, whom he married June 10, 1950; and his grandson, Richard Lee Stiner Jr.

He is survived by his six children, James Richard (Karen) Ament, Diane (John) Scacchetti, Jeffrey Ament, Deborah (Robert) Beachy, Kathleen (Richard) Stiner and Beverly Ament (Tom Zulick).
In addition, Jimmy is survived by his 10 grandchildren, Bryan (Heather) Ament, Amanda (Brian) Caves, John J. Scacchetti, Jarrett Scacchetti, Phillip Parker Ament, Maurita Ament, Robert Alexander Beachy, Bridget (David) Bauman, Aaron Stiner and Alyssa Stiner; and his two great-grandchildren, Kayden Ament and Colin Caves.

Friends may call Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman, Ohio.

There will be funeral services Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Drive in Boardman with Pastor Bob Quaintance celebrating the service preceded by viewing where family and friends may call from noon until time of the services at the church.

Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Jimmy’s family.

Mahoning