Ohio lost a beloved master mediator last week with the sudden death of James Petas. As a current board member and a past President of OMA, Jim served the public and the mediation profession with a gentle manner and deep dedication. OMA will provide a memorial article in the next newsletter. Here is a short excerpt from his obituary published in the Toledo Blade 12-09-20:
Jim devoted his professional career to caring for and assisting others. Through his work, Jim served as a “calm in the storm” to so many in the throes of conflict. He had a gift for connecting with people, regardless of their background, and worked every day to help bring peace to those in crisis. Jim served as a Senior Mediator with the Citizens Dispute Settlement Program at the Toledo Municipal Court, a past-President and Board Member of the Ohio Mediation Association, as well as a representative on the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution…Visitation will be Friday, December 11, 2020, from 4-6:00 pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) Strict COVID-19 precautions will be followed including mandatory mask wearing. Read the full obituary or offer online condolences: Click here
Mail condolences: C/O Tammy Harris, 555 North Erie, Toledo, OH 43604. Steps are being taken to establish a Lacrosse scholarship in Jim’s name at the high school where he coached, or friends may make donations to the OMA in Jim’s name. OMA will post updates on donation details as they are announced.