James E. Belu, 80, U.S. Army Veteran
James E. Belu, age 80, of Lorain, passed away at Lake Pointe Health Care in Lorain on the morning of Thursday April 16, 2026 following a brief period of declining health.
Jim was born in Lorain on October 13, 1945 to George Belu, Sr. and Angeline Belu. A life-long resident of Lorain, he graduated from Admiral King High School as a member of the Class of 1963.
Following commencement, he began work as a production assistant for the Lorain Products Corporation. In 1965 he was drafted into military service and fulfilled duty assignments as a Sergeant attached to the United States Army’s 5th Rec Headquarters during the Vietnam era. A life member of Amvets Post # 47 in Lorain, Jim held a Rifle Expert’s Badge and was also presented with the National Defense Service Medal at the time of his discharge.
Upon his return from the military in 1967, he joined the United States Steel Corporation’s Lorain-Cuyahoga Works and held various positions within the # 4 Seamless Mill there. A longtime member of United Steelworker’s Local 1104, Jim retired from the steel producer in 2002 following a career that spanned thirty-five years. After leaving U.S.S., he worked briefly as a delivery driver for Auto Zone Auto Parts.
A former parishioner of both St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Jim was a member of the American Slovak Club and an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians / Guardians.
In his younger days he enjoyed playing sandlot baseball; more recently he found enjoyment from fishing, league bowling, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years Joan (nee Dargo), daughter Nancy A. Bailey, son Joseph J. Belu (Rachal Merry), granddaughter Shelby Ann Bailey, and brothers Daniel and George Belu.
He was preceded in death by his father George Belu, Sr. mother Angeline Belu (nee Simonic) and brother Robert Belu.
Friends may call Saturday April 25th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 noon in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Reverend Gerald J. Keller, Pastor Emeritus of St. Adalbert Catholic Church, will officiate Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by members of Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria.
To share your memories with Jim’s family, please visit his tribute page at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.