Jim was born on May 21, 1938 to Mary (nee Ulichney) and Michael Vessalo in The Plains, Ohio; it was here that he was raised, worked as a golf caddie, and played high school football. He left home soon after graduation to attend train school in Minnesota where he worked in the boarding house to pay for room and board. There, he got to experience the beauty of the lakes in Minnesota but also the summer mosquitos. He landed in Cincinnati in 1956 with just a suitcase and started working for the B&O and C&O railroad (later to become CSX). Jim worked there his entire career, over 40 years, retiring as Trainmaster in Queensgate.

He was a huge OSU football fan, Cincinnati Bengals fan, and lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan. He used to go to games at Crosley Field and always listened to the Reds on the radio. Jim also enjoyed cruises and loved to go to Clearwater Beach.

He is the devoted father of Brent (Tammy) Vessalo, Brenda Martin, Michele (Mark) Goshorn and Melissa (Steve) Schneider; cherished grandfather of Cassie (Nick) Macke, Lauren (Matt) Schrand, Jill Martin, Amanda "Katie" Martin, Danielle (Ben) Nelson, Alex (Tiffany) Goshorn, Avery Planitz, Emilyn Schneider, ten great grandkids and lots of granddogs; loving brother of Marilyn Lohrman; and dear companion of Shirley Gloyd.

A memorial visitation for Jim will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, 10 am - 12 pm at Paul R. Young Funeral Home in Mt. Healthy.