Pierpont, Ohio - James Henry Kanicki, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on December 17, 1941, in Bay City, Michigan, Jim was the son of the late Anthony and Lillian (Trombley) Kanicki, Sr. He was a proud graduate of Bay City Central High School, Class of 1959, where he distinguished himself on the football field winning a Michigan state championship and earning All-State Player of the Year honors. His passion and talent for the game of football led him to Michigan State University, where he continued his football career while earning his bachelor's degree.

On June 9, 1962, Jim married the love of his life, Sandi Slisher. Together, they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage grounded in love, devotion, family, and faith.

Following college, Jim was drafted in the second round of the National Football League draft by the Cleveland Browns. He played for Cleveland from 1963 to 1969. During this time, he was a member of the 1964 Cleveland Browns team that won the NFL Championship and subsequent teams that reached the NFL Championship game in 1965, 1968 and 1969. He later continued his professional career with the New York Giants from 1970 to 1972 and went on to play in the World Football League in 1973. His time in professional football reflected not only his athletic ability but also his discipline, toughness and determination.

At the end of his football career, Jim returned to Ashtabula and began working for The Arthur Louis Steel Company in 1973. He would eventually purchase the company in 1985. Throughout his working career he built a reputation as a man of integrity, strong work ethic, and deep commitment to his community. Giving back and supporting his community was central to his life. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Calasanctius Church in Jefferson and served on numerous boards, including the United Way, YMCA, Ashtabula County Medical Center, and The American Automobile Association (AAA).

Jim was also actively involved in the Ashtabula County Builders Association, Ashtabula County Touchdown Club, the NFL Alumni Association, the Cleveland Browns Alumni Association, and the New York Giants Alumni Association. He was a dedicated supporter of the Ronald McDonald House, generously contributing to the organization's mission of caring for families in need.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed golfing and was a devoted fan of the Michigan State Spartans and the Cleveland Browns. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially the moments shared with his children and grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandi Kanicki; his sons, Barton (Kelly) Kanicki, Gregory (Kim) Kanicki, J.T. (Shirley) Kanicki, and Matthew (Jera) Kanicki; his cherished grandchildren, Tori (Andrew), Cody (Calla), Micah, Jameson (Timmy), Karli, Hayden, Kaci, Mylan (Ava), Matea, and Makade; a great-grandchild on the way; and his siblings, Anthony Kanicki, Jr., Donald Kanicki, Mary Johnson, David Kanicki, and Mark Kanicki.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, William Kanicki, Kenneth Kanicki, Phillip Kanicki, Anne Petty, Patrick Kanicki, Walter Kanicki, and Patricia Kanicki.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, steadfast faith, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His legacy of love, service, and strength will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00PM to 6:00 PM at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Lewy Body Research Program through the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, PO Box 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193, or to Reserve Care (formerly Hospice of the Western Reserve), 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.

The family would like to extend its deepest, heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff of Ashtabula Regional Medical Center, the Ashtabula County Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center and to Reserve Care Hospice for the compassionate care Jim received.

Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences may be found at www.ducro.com.