Parma Mayor DePiero Comments On The Passing Of Former Mayor James W. Day
(PARMA) – Parma Mayor Dean DePiero says former mayor James W. Day leaves a legacy of progress and partnerships established during his relatively short tenure as the city’s political leader. James Day passed away earlier today at Parma Community General Hospital.
“Mayor Day was in office from 1962 to 1967,” said Mayor DePiero. “In those five years, Jim Day never stopped expanding, improving and building the state’s seventh largest city into what we see before us today. He was an innovator and a positive force for Parma. He was a good, personable individual who will be missed by friends, family and our entire community.”
Prior to becoming mayor, James Day served as a Parma City Councilman for eight years and was a member of the Parma Zoning Board. He was Chairman of the Building, Planning and Zoning Council Committee.
“I always admired Mayor Day for his insight and vision,” said Parma City Council President Chuck Germana. “He will be missed.”
As mayor, James Day helped obtain the Crile Veterans site and the Coast Guard 32 acre site on York Road which ultimately led to the creation of the Western Campus of Cuyahoga Community College. Mayor Day was also instrumental in securing 52 acres of land in 1952 to be set aside for what is now Parma Community General Hospital, eventually including the Parma Justice Center and the PSE Credit Union.
In addition, Day worked towards the development of the YMCA site and Parmatown Mall on Day Drive, the street lined with local businesses that bears his name. The former Nike Park on Pleasant Valley Road was previously been renamed James W. Day Park.
“Jim Day’s impact on our community extends across northeast Ohio,” said Mayor DePiero. “He was with Higbee’s after he left office, and he persuaded the company to buy a piece of the Cuyahoga riverfront in 1972. Jim’s vision helped to create what is now Settler’s Landing.”
James Day had served several years as Fundraising Chairman for Padua Franciscan High School in Parma. He was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement award from the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, 7501 Ridge Road, where calling hours will be held Saturday and Sunday. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, August 30, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 6750 State Road. Mayor Day will be buried in Holy Spirit Cemetery located behind Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church on West 54th St.
(*Picture: Former Parma Mayor James W. Day (left) is pictured with his brother, Harvey (right).