James Peter Henry Gockel, age 62, born
December 24, 1962, and passed away on Friday,
July 25, 2025, beloved husband of Jacqueline (“Jackie,”neé Musson) Gockel. They were together 40 years. Their dog, Radar, was Jim’s faithful friend.
Jim’s parents, Gustav Adolph and Frances C. (neé Zimmerman) Gockel, preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved siblings: Elizabeth (Edward Rosenberg), Peter (Stamatia, neé Fissas), Marie Schnee (Donald), and John (Eleanore, neé Kiss). Jackie’s siblings were also beloved by Jim: Robert Musson, Deborah Pieffer (Daniel), Joyce Dzik, Frank Dzik (Lisa, neé van Divner), and Michael Dzik. Jim adored Sephanie and Jessica Dzik as well as all his other nieces and nephews.
Jim was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1486 East 55th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, and attended St. Matthew Lutheran Day School and Thomas Jefferson Junior High. After a year at Max Hayes Trade School, he attended Lincoln West High School, graduating in June 1980. He worked for the Ohio State License Bureau, Dyke College, the Ohio Department of Ageing, Andrews Moving Company, and became Maintenance Manager of the Sterling Building in Downtown Cleveland.
Throughout Jim’s life and wherever he went, songs and music flowed from and through him. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing with friends, and formed the Joe Average Band with his friends Keith Thornhill, Sam Phillips, and Andrew (“Tiny”) Bird, in which he participated for 23 years. A multi-talented musician, he played many different stringed instruments. His band may be found on YouTube.
Jim loved to read books on history, politics and classical literature. He enjoyed working on vintage cars, telling stories, and making people laugh. His own laugh is memorable and was contagious.
In remembrance of Jim, donations may be made to the Cleveland Animal Protective League or an organization of your choice.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Deon Metrik’s Party Center, 4560 State Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44109.