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James David Refinati




A funeral service celebrating the life of James David Refinati, age 81, of Thornville, was held October 3, 2016, at Fairfield Beach United Methodist Church, with Pastor Terry Borah officiating. Burial followed in Shawnee Cemetery.

Jim was born September 7, 1935, in Corning, Ohio, to the late Henry George and Ellen Ann (Coates) Refinati. He passed away September 28, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was retired from AT&T/ Western Electric. He was a member of the Fairfield Beach United Methodist Church where he had been captain of the dart ball team. He was a member of the Millersport Lions Club for over 40 years and past president and a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows, Charity Newsies of Fairfield County, and the Fairfield Beach, Millersport and Buckeye Lake Seniors. Jim was an avid OSU Buckeye fan and also a NASCAR fan, especially of Jimmie Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years and the love of his life, Harriette (Frazier) Refinati; daughter, Lisa Dudley of Thornville; son, James C. (Bobbie) Refinati of Columbus; a granddaughter, Brittney; great-granddaughter, Ariel; half brother, William (Norma) Willis of Canal Winchester; uncle, Thomas (Nina) Coates of Cincinnati; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Henry E., Robert and Donald Refinati; and a sister, Joan Thompson.

A special thank you to Tony Horvath, Pat Miller, Kent Leitanaker, Brenda Amspaugh and Greystone Hospice.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Fairfield Beach United Methodist Church.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to care for Jim and his family.



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