The Last Ride

“So when we do make that last ride that is inevitable for us all to make, to that place up there, where the grass is green and lush and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear, and deep—You’ll tell us as we ride in that our entry fees have been paid. These things we ask.—Amen.”

~Excerpt from ‘A Rodeo Cowboy’s Prayer’ by Clem McSpadden

JAMES FRANCIS URBANSKI

James Francis Urbanski, 72, known to his friends and the world as “Uncle Jimmy”, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at UPMC Passavant. An accomplished horseman, aviator, and businessman, Jim was born in Coraopolis on May 28, 1949, to the late Joseph Francis and Julia Elizabeth (Moy) Urbanski. Jim found his two great passions, flying airplanes and riding horses, at the age of 15. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State University. He flew for many years in the Air National Guard and later as a commercial airline pilot, quickly rising to the rank of Captain at US Air (formerly Allegheny Airlines).

Later in life he founded and served as first President of Uncle Jimmy’s Brand Products, an international equine and poultry products manufacturing company located in New Castle, Pa. Jim was an active equestrian throughout his life and competed in a variety of equine events, including team penning and CMSA events. He served as a founder, director, and past president of the Steel City Gunslingers CMSA club. He was also a member of the Northern Ohio Outlaws and Lake Erie Vaqueros CMSA clubs. With his wife and longtime partner, Colleen, Jim was involved in an equine camp for children.

Jim also enjoyed cooking, maintaining his large horse farm, entertaining friends with bonfires and parties, and above all the time that he spent with his family.

James is the beloved husband and long-time companion of Colleen Kelly; the loving father of Dr. Christy L. (David) McCandless; adored “Pappy” of James and Lydia; and brother of Janet (James) Parise. Arrangements by Copeland’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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BETTY DEENE (HALL) HARE

Betty D. Hare, 86, passed away on July 16, 2021, at UH Geauga Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born in Ashtabula of St. Patrick’s Day in 1935, the daughter of George and Verna (Lally) Hall. Her Irish heritage and a birthday falling on March 17 always made for the most enjoyable times for a person to celebrate the day of her birth.

Betty was a loving and dedicated mom. She was always active with her children growing up. She was very active with the Ashtabula 4-H Clubs; she was an advisor for Runnin’ Free 4-H Club and the past president and point secretary for Dusty Boots Riding Club. She showed horses for over 40 years. She was also a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers Fan.

She is survived by her loving family; her children: James (Charlene) Hare, Jill Hare and Jodi (Jeff Strope) Miller; her grandchildren: Justin (Lisa Humphrey) Stuper, Cory (Laura Miller) Stuper and Kaytlyn Hare; her great-grandchildren: Bailey and Decklin; and her sister-in-law Zenda Hall.

She was preceded in death by her parents: George Hall and Veronica and Dominic Caruso; her husband Jack L. Hare, Sr. and her son Jack L Hare, Jr.; and her siblings: William Hall, Janice Champlaine, Norene Lally and George Hall.

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