Jim Timonere is the son of Rosemary Guerini Timonere ’64 and James A. Timonere’62. Born and raised in the city of Ashtabula, Jim learned early on the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. He graduated from Saint John High School in 1995 and went on to Kent State University. Jim graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, all while working full-time. He returned to Ashtabula after college and began to see the potential the City possessed. He became involved; attending Council and School Board meetings and began coaching high school Football at Saint John. In 2005, Jim became the President/CEO of the Ashtabula Area Chamber of Commerce where he worked to promote businesses and economic development throughout Ashtabula County before becoming Ashtabula's City Manager in 2011.
Jim is no stranger to serving his community. At one time, he served on a total of 15 Boards and Committees throughout Ashtabula County and the State of Ohio. It has always been important to Jim that the city of Ashtabula and the county are both represented across the State of Ohio.
Jim's parents taught him the importance of hard work, education, community, and family. He is the fourth generation of Timonere’s to purchase a home and raise his children in this community. Jim's grandfather, James S. Timonere, proudly served as the City's Ward 2 Councilperson for 26 years. He shares his passion for creating a vibrant city.
Jim's wife, Janice, is a teacher at Lakeside High School and is also from Ashtabula. They have two young children, Jimmy ’24 and Jenna ’27, and are proud to call the city of Ashtabula their home.
While at Saint John, Jim played Varsity Football (four year letterman), Basketball (three year letterman) and Baseball (four year letterman). He was a member of Student Council and the recipient of the True Herald Award. Jim has continued his involvement at Saint John, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and played a leadership role as Chair of the Board from 2011-2013. As a parent of two current Saint John students, Jim and his wife, Janice, continue to be involved on various school committees.
Jim has been recognized as one of the Top 5 under 45 by the Young Professionals of Ashtabula in 2013Awards: Jim is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, 1st Degree, the Elks Lodge and the East Ashtabula Club.