Jim Patron
Jim Patron, a lifelong Canton resident, has dedicated his career to funeral service since he was fifteen years old, beginning as a multi-talented employee at his neighborhood funeral home. A 1974 graduate of Lincoln High School, Jim continued his education at Kent State University and Kentucky College of Mortuary Science, which later became known as Mid America College of Mortuary Science, building the foundation for what would become his life's work.
Throughout his career, Jim has served his community in multiple capacities - as organist and choir director at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Canton, and through his ownership and operation of funeral homes in southern Ohio. Currently, he owns and operates
Hecker-Patron Funeral Home in Uniontown and, as of 2023, Lamiell Funeral Home in
Canton.
Jim chose funeral service because he was genuinely fascinated by the profession and recognized its vital role in reaching out to people during life's most difficult moments. His work has always been rooted in a sincere desire to help others navigate their time of greatest need.
In his free time, Jim enjoys his love of classic cars, especially his cherished Cuda. He's a WWE fan, music lover, and very much a hands-on kind of guy who takes great satisfaction in completing remodeling projects with meticulous attention to detail.
Jim and his wife Sue, who serves as Office Administrator for both funeral homes, are
blessed with five children and ten grandchildren. Together, they cherish life's simple pleasures: quiet summer evenings spent outdoors, cozy nights by the fire during cooler months, precious time with family and friends, and spoiling their German Shepherd, Jamie.
At the heart of their lives together is their shared belief in the importance of keeping God at the center of everything they do.
Jim Patron
Jim Patron, a lifelong Canton resident, has dedicated his career to funeral service since he was fifteen years old, beginning as a multi-talented employee at his neighborhood funeral home. A 1974 graduate of Lincoln High School, Jim continued his education at Kent State University and Kentucky College of Mortuary Science, which later became known as Mid America College of Mortuary Science, building the foundation for what would become his life's work.
Throughout his career, Jim has served his community in multiple capacities - as organist and choir director at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Canton, and through his ownership and operation of funeral homes in southern Ohio. Currently, he owns and operates
Hecker-Patron Funeral Home in Uniontown and, as of 2023, Lamiell Funeral Home in
Canton.
Jim chose funeral service because he was genuinely fascinated by the profession and recognized its vital role in reaching out to people during life's most difficult moments. His work has always been rooted in a sincere desire to help others navigate their time of greatest need.
In his free time, Jim enjoys his love of classic cars, especially his cherished Cuda. He's a WWE fan, music lover, and very much a hands-on kind of guy who takes great satisfaction in completing remodeling projects with meticulous attention to detail.
Jim and his wife Sue, who serves as Office Administrator for both funeral homes, are
blessed with five children and ten grandchildren. Together, they cherish life's simple pleasures: quiet summer evenings spent outdoors, cozy nights by the fire during cooler months, precious time with family and friends, and spoiling their German Shepherd, Jamie.
At the heart of their lives together is their shared belief in the importance of keeping God at the center of everything they do.
Sue Patron
Sue Patron finds deep fulfillment in working alongside her husband, Jim, to serve families during one of life's most tender moments. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Sue's early years took her family through several communities - Fremont, Newark, and Akron - before they settled in Mogadore, where she graduated from Mogadore High School in 1977 as a proud member of the Marching Band Bell Corps.
As a devoted stay-at-home mother, Sue treasured being present for every important milestone in her children's lives. She was honored to receive the "Heart of Your Community Award" in recognition of countless hours spent in service to school
activities.
Today, Sue serves as Office Administrator for their two funeral home locations: Lamiell Funeral Home in Canton and Hecker-Patron in Uniontown. She brings the same caring attention to detail that defined her motherhood to supporting families in their time of need.
Sue finds joy in creating a warm, welcoming home environment, especially during the holidays when she transforms both indoor and outdoor spaces with thoughtful decorations. She's always discovering new ways to make their home a haven of comfort. Sue cherishes the time she and Jim spend together and looks forward to their newest adventure - camping. Family gatherings, visits with dear friends, and her role as a devoted "dog mom" bring her tremendous happiness.
Above all, Sue finds her greatest gift in knowing that God walks with her through each day's journey.
Sue Patron
Sue Patron finds deep fulfillment in working alongside her husband, Jim, to serve families during one of life's most tender moments. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Sue's early years took her family through several communities - Fremont, Newark, and Akron - before they settled in Mogadore, where she graduated from Mogadore High School in 1977 as a proud member of the Marching Band Bell Corps.
As a devoted stay-at-home mother, Sue treasured being present for every important milestone in her children's lives. She was honored to receive the "Heart of Your Community Award" in recognition of countless hours spent in service to school
activities.
Today, Sue serves as Office Administrator for their two funeral home locations: Lamiell Funeral Home in Canton and Hecker-Patron in Uniontown. She brings the same caring attention to detail that defined her motherhood to supporting families in their time of need.
Sue finds joy in creating a warm, welcoming home environment, especially during the holidays when she transforms both indoor and outdoor spaces with thoughtful decorations. She's always discovering new ways to make their home a haven of comfort. Sue cherishes the time she and Jim spend together and looks forward to their newest adventure - camping. Family gatherings, visits with dear friends, and her role as a devoted "dog mom" bring her tremendous happiness.
Above all, Sue finds her greatest gift in knowing that God walks with her through each day's journey.
David (Kelly) & Julie Julian
David (Kelly) and Julie Julian have served as Support Staff for Hecker-Patron Funeral Home since 2019. They have lived in the Uniontown area for 28 years. Since retirement from their full-time jobs, they also serve at their church, Temple Baptist Church in Green. They enjoy traveling and attending concerts of their favorite southern gospel groups.
David (Kelly) & Julie Julian
David (Kelly) and Julie Julian have served as Support Staff for Hecker-Patron Funeral Home since 2019. They have lived in the Uniontown area for 28 years. Since retirement from their full-time jobs, they also serve at their church, Temple Baptist Church in Green. They enjoy traveling and attending concerts of their favorite southern gospel groups.
Danny Casto
Danny Casto was born in Spencer, West Virginia and moved to Akron when he was 12 years old. He and his wife, Donna, have a large, close-knit family, who they enjoyed spending time with. Dan retired from the Eaton Corp. in 2016. Since his retirement, Dan now spends his time doing the things he has always enjoyed . . . remodeling, landscaping, and woodworking. He uses these gifts to help seniors (and many others) who need a helping hand and may not be able to do certain things. A devoted Christian, Dan feels he is very blessed to be able to use his talents for God and His glory.
Danny Casto
Danny Casto was born in Spencer, West Virginia and moved to Akron when he was 12 years old. He and his wife, Donna, have a large, close-knit family, who they enjoyed spending time with. Dan retired from the Eaton Corp. in 2016. Since his retirement, Dan now spends his time doing the things he has always enjoyed . . . remodeling, landscaping, and woodworking. He uses these gifts to help seniors (and many others) who need a helping hand and may not be able to do certain things. A devoted Christian, Dan feels he is very blessed to be able to use his talents for God and His glory.
Jeff Arnold
Preneed Counselor
Jeff Arnold, preplanning counselor, plays a crucial role in guiding individuals through the preplanning process. He helps individuals understand their needs, discuss cultural or religious preferences, and outline their preferences for their final wishes.
Jeff is a graduate of Northwest High School and The University of Akron. He has worked for the Stark County Commissioners as Special Projects Director and retired after 20 Years. He was responsible for the new Stark County Coroner’s office as Project Manager. Jeff lives in North Canton with his wife Sue and is a member of Perry Christian Church.
Jeff Arnold
Preneed Counselor
Jeff Arnold, preplanning counselor, plays a crucial role in guiding individuals through the preplanning process. He helps individuals understand their needs, discuss cultural or religious preferences, and outline their preferences for their final wishes.
Jeff is a graduate of Northwest High School and The University of Akron. He has worked for the Stark County Commissioners as Special Projects Director and retired after 20 Years. He was responsible for the new Stark County Coroner’s office as Project Manager. Jeff lives in North Canton with his wife Sue and is a member of Perry Christian Church.
Ryan Rockich
IT Management
As a dedicated technologist and founder of Rockich Tech Relief, Ryan has been partnering with Hecker-Patron Funeral Home as their trusted consultant, handling everything from daily tech support and audio/visual services to helping guide their technology decisions.
Ryan is passionate about making people's lives better by relieving the stress that often surrounds technology. This philosophy has made him an invaluable part of the Hecker-Patron Funeral Home team, where he ensures their technology seamlessly supports their mission of serving families during difficult times.
When not solving technology challenges, Ryan enjoys spending time with family—his beautiful wife Jessica of over a decade, three children including an awesome son, Steven, two amazing daughters, Hannah and Emma, (with Hannah proudly serving as an active duty Marine), and two beloved four-legged family members: Atticus, a Cane Corso, and Radley, a Doberman.
Whether troubleshooting a technical issue or spending time with loved ones, Ryan believes in approaching every challenge with patience, care, and genuine dedication to helping others.
Ryan Rockich
IT Management
As a dedicated technologist and founder of Rockich Tech Relief, Ryan has been partnering with Hecker-Patron Funeral Home as their trusted consultant, handling everything from daily tech support and audio/visual services to helping guide their technology decisions.
Ryan is passionate about making people's lives better by relieving the stress that often surrounds technology. This philosophy has made him an invaluable part of the Hecker-Patron Funeral Home team, where he ensures their technology seamlessly supports their mission of serving families during difficult times.
When not solving technology challenges, Ryan enjoys spending time with family—his beautiful wife Jessica of over a decade, three children including an awesome son, Steven, two amazing daughters, Hannah and Emma, (with Hannah proudly serving as an active duty Marine), and two beloved four-legged family members: Atticus, a Cane Corso, and Radley, a Doberman.
Whether troubleshooting a technical issue or spending time with loved ones, Ryan believes in approaching every challenge with patience, care, and genuine dedication to helping others.