James J. Call

James “Jim” J. Call, 83, of Conneaut, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on February 22, 1943, in Conneaut, a son of James D. Call and Mary (Moroski) Spink.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Conneaut and a graduate of Conneaut High School, Class of 1961. Following high school, he attended Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland, Ohio, where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. He dedicated 30 years of his career to P&C Dock Company, where he worked as a welder and foreman until his retirement. On April 11, 1964, he married Marlene in Ripley, New York, and they shared 53 years of marriage until her passing in 2017.

A member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #151, Jim lived life to the fullest and was known for his creativity and love of building and fixing things. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he and his brother built the original German bunker for Conneaut’s first D-Day reenactment. Around that same time, his craftsmanship and attention to detail earned him the nickname “Dr. Cardboard” for the prom backdrops he designed and built for Conneaut High School. He also enjoyed traveling and riding his motorcycle. Above all, Jim cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

Dancing was one of the biggest parts of Jim’s life. For over 45 years, he competed in Hustle dancing and became well known for both his talent and his passion. He taught at places such as Y-Dance and the Cash Club, where many knew him as the “Hustle Master.” Dancing was not just something he did, it was where he felt most at home. He took great pride in both competing and teaching, earned many awards, and formed countless everlasting friendships along the way.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet (Rick) Heinly and Laurie Janek, both of Conneaut; his loving companion of eight years, Paula Paullin of Chardon; his grandchildren, Hanna Merlene and Joey Merlene, both of Conneaut, Nicole (Jason Boles) Nine of Ashtabula, Corey (Jenn) Nine and Gage (Lacey) Janek of Conneaut; and his brothers, Richard (Cindy) Spink of Conneaut and Larry (Faith) Spink of Perrysburg.

He was preceded in death by his father, who died during World War II; his mother, Mary Spink; his wife, Marlene; and his stepfathers, Joseph Spink and Frank Leeman.

A Memorial Service will be 4:00 PM Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, OH 44030 with a Celebration of Life Gathering immediately following at the American Legion, 272 Broad St., Conneaut, Ohio.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until the time of service at 4:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Y-Dance. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and American Legion.

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