Jeffrey Brian Ita 61, of Salem, died at 8:02 am on Thursday, February 21 at his home following a courageous battle of cancer for 42 years.

He was a loving husband, a great father, a good family man and a hard worker. Everyone who knew Jeff liked him. His smile would light up a room

He was born on May 20, 1957 in Garfield Heights, OH, the son of the late Arthur Henry and Joan (Evans) Ita.

Jeffrey was a devoted, God loving Christian. He was member of the Salem First Baptist Church, graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 1975, then served in the US Army. He was the bass player for 40 years and had his own band by the name of Camouflage. He was last employed as a salesman with Southeast Cutlery and formerly with Youngstown Grinding. He had many different hobbies, playing the bass, fishing, tinkering on things, talking, eating, baseball, especially the Indians and the Browns.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, the former Bonita "Bonnie" Stevenson, his daughter Rachel King of Twinsburg, step-children: Daniel Johnson of Youngstown and Tionne Johnson of Salem, six grandchildren, his stepmother, Barbara (Pastva) Ita of FL, his siblings: John (Donna) Ita of Hartville, Jo Ellen (William) Sprengel of Ravenna and Julianne (Charles) Barley of FL and his beloved dog, Coco Puff.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services.