James R. Solomon, 66, Teacher and Coach for Firelands School District

He was born Sept. 9, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and lived in Birmingham the past 40 years moving from Cleveland.

He worked as a teacher and coach for the Firelands School District. He was a science teacher at both the middle school and the high school. He served as athletic director for 15 years, and was twice elected Lorain County Athletic Director of the Year. Jim served as head football coach for six years with a 37-23-1 record, and winning two conference championships. He coached wrestling for 15 years winning 100 dual meets, and six conference titles. Jim also coached softball winning 272 games and one conference championship, and was named Plain Dealer's 7 County Coach of the Year in 2000. His softball team twice won the umpire association's sportsmanship award covering Northeast Ohio.

He enjoyed fishing and gardening, especially orchids. He also enjoyed searching for collectables.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Karen (nee Whitney); sons, Justin (Kimberly) Solomon, St. Augustine, FL and B.J. (Leah) Solomon, Amherst; daughter, Stacy (Dan) Wilson, Upper Black Eddy, PA; grandchildren, Cameron and Connor Solomon; brother, Bruce Solomon, Ft. Lauderdale, and sisters, Susan Andrews, Talmadge and Martha DiMauro, Canton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Albert and Dorothy (nee Ford) Solomon and his brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Laurel Solomon.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Firelands High School, 10643 Vermilion Road, Oberlin. Family friend, Cliff German, will officiate.
Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Firelands Endowment Fund % Jim Solomon 1197 Vermilion Rd. Oberlin, OH 44074.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.