James Norman Warren, Jr.

Mayor James Warren

The Honorable James “Jim” N. Warren, Jr., age 78, passed away on June 27, 2015 after a brief illness with family at his side.

Mayor Warren was born to James Warren and Marie (Cassity) Warren in New Boston on August 28, 1936 He was an Alumni of Glenwood High School, Class of 1954.   He followed in his father’s footsteps becoming an educator, receiving his B.S. in Education from Ohio University and his Masters of Education from Xavier University.

After years of teaching in the New Boston School District, he became the Elementary Principal in the New Boston School system. After retiring from education, Jim continued to be a part of the New Boston community As a political newcomer, Jim successfully ran for Mayor of the Village of New Boston in 1994 He was the first Republican elected to the Mayoral Office in almost 50 years and served faithfully until his death.  The local constituents and residents saw Jim as a man of the people, not a man from a political party. He loved New Boston and the people in it and was most generous with his time and money, often giving to those who were in need of assistance.

He faced many adversarial and economic woes as Mayor; however, Jim was able to bring new businesses, industries, and retail stores to give New Boston life, jobs, and security

His service to the community will be sorely missed He had proudly served on the Board of Director’s for Shawnee State University, Community Action Board of Directors, Children Services, Southern Ohio Port Authority, Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative, and Area On Aging

He was a member of the Portsmouth Aurora Masonic Lodge 48 and the Portsmouth Shrine Club.

Jim is survived by his son, Scott Warren of New Boston; granddaughter, Ariann Warren of New Boston; grandson, Scotty Warren of New Boston; a sister, Opal Spears Porter (Russell); sister-in-law, Wilma Warren of Wheelersburg; nephew, Dr. Ross Warren of Upper Bellbrook; niece, Kelly Mikhail of Powell; his former wife, Charlene Ballinger; a special chosen brother, Charles (Buster) Stillwell; and many dear friends and coworkers whom he considered his family. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Nicole Chauntelle Warren; his parents, James and Marie Warren; and brother, Paul Warren.

The family would like to thank Southern Ohio Medical Center, Cornerstone Rehab in Huntington, WV, and Best Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wheelersburg for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be at the D.W. Swick - Nelson Funeral Home, 1104 Harrisonville Avenue, New Boston, Ohio from 4 – 8 p.m. on July 1, 2015.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on July 2nd at the Glenwood High School gymnasium with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to funeral service at 11:00 a.m with Reverend Gary Heimbach officiating.

Jim’s passion was providing for the citizens and children of New Boston and with that in mind, the family encourages that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Breakfast with Santa at the New Boston Community Center, to the establishment of the James Warren Memorial Park, or to Cedar Street Church of Christ in Christian Union.