James Max Hrovatic

James Max Hrovatic, 86, closed his eyes and took the hand of Jesus at 7:33 p. m., on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at his home in Salem, Ohio.

He was born on January 21, 1935 in Salem, to his parents; the late Joseph and Frances (Kastelic) Hrovatic.

James was a 1953 graduate of Salem High School. He was employed at Hunt Valve Co., in his hometown of Salem, as a Machinist for 30 years, retiring in 1997. Previous employment found him at Eljers Plumbingware Inc. for 5 years, Deming Pump for 5 years, and Mullins Mfg Co. for 5 years. On August 21, 1981 James married his wife Barbara Louise (Lozier) Hrovatic and they have spent almost 40 years making a wonderful life together. To those that knew James, they would say that he was “a man after God’s own heart”. His heartbeat was truly seeking God’s direction in his life and being obedient to His call. James loved people! He would take any opportunity to spend time with people, especially if it offered him time to serve, talk, pray, or share God’s word and love with them. James was an active member of the Church At The Center in Salem and an Elder of Life With Christ Ministries. He was an active participant in “Men of Faith” and was among the first 10 to develop the “Men’s Rally In the Valley”. James had a cabin that had a small lake that he would often retreat to and bask in the beauty of God’s creation. He spent many hours sitting on the porch in time of peaceful worship which could be listening to hymns, spending time in scripture and in prayer. James lived his life to please his Heavenly Father and it is with assurance that we can hear Him say… “well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your Lord”-Matthew 5:23.

Along with his wife, James is survived by his daughters; Debra (Hrovatic) Barker of Salem, Anne (Robert) Johnson of AZ, grandchildren; Angie Lee (Rick) Johnston of Salem, David L. Hrovatic II of E. Rochester, OH, 2 great grandchildren; Dylan Tyler Cook and Troy Johnston, “adopted children”; Pastor Christopher and Coria Brock, and their children; Croesus, Emma and Christopher Jr., all of Salem.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his son David Lee Hrovatic who passed away in 2012 and a great grandson; Alex DJ Hrovatic, sisters; Frances Ziegler, Margaret Dumovic, Rosa Lee Hemmen, Iva Ann Adams, Mary Simpson, twin brothers; John and Carl Hrovatic, and brothers; Joseph, Rudy, Ralph, Ernie, and Charles Hrovatic.

A time of Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 6-8 p.m, at the Church At The Center, 1785 S. Lincoln Ave., Salem, OH 44460. The family requests that those attending the Celebration of Life  please bring a card that has a written special memory of Jim 

Care was entrusted to the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services of Salem.

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