James H. Savina Sr.

James H. “Big Luke/ Big Jim” Savina, 78, of East Liverpool, died, Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at East Liverpool City Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born, on May 12, 1943, in Grafton, WV., he was the son of the late Joseph and Roxie Robinson Savina. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Delores Jean Reckner.

Jim attended East Liverpool High School and he formerly worked at Homer Laughlin China Company as an Assistant Maintenance Foreman. Jim was passionate about thoroughbred horse racing and worked for many years training horses, at the former Waterford Park and now Mountaineer Racetrack. He was a member of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

Jim was fun-loving and great at cracking jokes. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching old westerns and horse racing. He had a heart of gold, always putting his family first and he cherished the time that he spent with his family.

Jim will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Mary Reckner Savina, whom he married on August 2, 1965. He will also be missed by his son, James Savina and his wife Traci of East Liverpool; daughter, Crystal Gayle Savina of East Liverpool; brothers, Terry Savina (Shirley) of Clinton, PA. and William Savina (Ruth) of East Liverpool; sisters, Carolyn Davis of Baden, PA., Joann Talbott of East Liverpool, Connie Balch of Chester, Wanda Price of East Liverpool, Vonda Garvey (Jerry) of Dennison, OH.; grandson, Tony Savina (Lynnsey) of East Liverpool and great-grandsons, Jameson and Jaxson both of East Liverpool.

Pastor Steve Knisely will celebrate Jim’s life, Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Shadow Lawn Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with his family at the funeral home, Friday, March 18, 2022, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. 

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