Alexander J. Sussman's Obituary
Alexander J. Sussman, 89, passed away on March 22, 2022 in the comfort of his home.
Alexander “Jim Sussman” lived for 30 years in Medina, Ohio with his wife Freyda. They moved from New York and they loved their life and friends in northeast Ohio. Jim cherished his family, loved his country and was proud of his Jewish faith.
Jim grew up in Brooklyn, New York with his brother Vic, and parents Leonard and Hana. Jim graduated with honors from Baruch College from the City College of New York. He was a leader in his Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity developing lifelong friendships and creating scholarship programs for future Baruch graduates. From his ROTC training in college, Jim joined the Army. He was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado as a 1st Lieutenant with the 9th Infantry. Jim loved his Army service and could be seen every week at the Medina Recreation center sporting his 9th infantry ball cap.
Jim met his future wife, Freyda, by crashing a private party and convincing her to leave with him; thus began a loving relationship that lasted 63 years. Jim and Freyda raised their two sons, Adam and Eric, in Manhasset, NY. There he built a thriving executive search firm that led to leadership roles in several corporate employment agency firms. Jim became a sought after consultant in the Employment Franchise industry and served on the Board of the International Franchise Association.
Throughout his life, Jim was the most dedicated of fathers and a devoted husband. From his humble beginnings in Flatbush Brooklyn, he instilled in his sons the value of discipline, education, hard work, loyalty and generosity. Jim always used to say, “it’s better to give with a warm hand.”
Jim had a fiercely bright business mind and always helped others with their professional and personal challenges- he took care of others first before he took care of himself.
Jim was devoted to his Jewish faith, praying every week at home and walking the 5 miles during high holy days to the closest Temple the next town over.
Later in life, Jim cherished his grandsons Luke and Ben and traveled to watch them compete or just spend time with them enjoying the great Ohio summers.
Jim spent several years avoiding the Ohio winters, spending time with his brother in Tucson,AZ. As he did throughout his life, he made fast friends, found a good poker game and great classic car shows. He loved the desert, took his grandsons on adventures throughout old Tucson and most importantly took care of his brother Vic.
Jim will be missed because he was a true American original; self-reliant, never avoiding the tough challenges in life, extending unselfish generosity to others, and always taking care of this family.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by sons Adam (Robyn) Sussman, and Eric (Davida) Ebner; and grandchildren Luke Sussman, and Ben Sussman.
He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Hana Sussman; and brother Victor H. Sussman.
Services will be held on FRIDAY, March 25, at 12:30 p.m. at Jardine Funeral Home, 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville. Burial will be taking place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.
Donations may be made in Alexanders' honor to
Cleveland Metroparks-Hinckley Park
Legacy Fund
https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/support/donate/legacy-fund
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