James C. Guerriero

James Charles Guerriero, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22nd, surrounded by his family. James will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Rosemary, and his three children and their spouses; Anita and Steve Lawrenz, Bridget and Ken Beliveau, and Chris and Emily Guerriero as well as his four grandchildren Brandon, Alexis, Aurelia, and Ivy. He is also survived by his brother Sam Guerriero and his wife Barbara of Powell, Ohio.

Jim was the son of Mary DeMarco and Sabatino Guerriero and was raised in Bellaire, Ohio. Upon marrying his high school sweetheart, Rosemary, who he met in the marching band, the couple settled in Wheeling, West Virginia. Jim was an extraordinary example of a loving and caring father, who worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Jim received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from West Liberty State College, received his Masters of Music Education from Duquesne University, and completed doctoral coursework at West Virginia University.

Jim served as the band director and instrumental music instructor in the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District. Afterward, he spent 36 years educating and touching the lives of many students as a professor of music at West Liberty State College. He was fondly known as Mr. G and as the man who got things done. During that time, he taught his children to play instruments and all three would eventually graduate from WLSC. Anita and Chris pursuing medicine and biology research, respectively, and Bridget following in his footsteps receiving a degree in music education.

During his tenure at West Liberty, James served as the director of marching bands, a music education instructor, and concert series chair for which he hosted performing groups from all over the world for the students and community. Additionally, he was the assistant Dean of the Governor’s Music School which allowed teens across the state to explore and strengthen their musical abilities. He also served as the assistant chair of the Fine Arts program.

Jim was a lifelong member of the National Music Educators Association where he served as state president and was the local collegiate chapter coordinator. During his terms as president he organized many local and state conferences for students and teachers to continue their education.

A big part of his career was also dedicated to holding countless music festivals for the students and teachers of the northern panhandle of West Virginia. He hosted the Solo and Ensemble Festival, Choir Festival, Show Choir Festival, Jazz Festival, and Band Festival which were attended by thousands of students annually.

Jim’s love of music and education was a big part of his life, which he shared with his whole family. We thank him for instilling us with this love which we can carry forward with us.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 1 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Road, Bridgeport, OH 43912.  A Wake service will be held at 7:30pm.   Funeral services will be held, Monday, February 26th at 11am, at St. Vincent DePaul Church, Elm Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma society, www.lls.org.  To offer online condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com. 

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