James A. Katsanis

James A. Katsanis passed away on February 20, 2024, at the age of 92. Born in 1931 in Norwood, Ohio, Katsanis was the son of Greek immigrants, Anthia and Andrew Katsanis. Katsanis received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1953, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Jim then graduated from UC’s College of Law in 1955.

Immediately after graduation, Katsanis entered the United States Air Force, serving as a base legal officer. Although he would leave active duty in 1959, Katsanis would serve in the Air Force Reserve until he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1991. Twice the Air Force awarded Jim with meritorious service medals for outstanding service. Jim was proud of his service to his country and was thrilled in 2021 to go on an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. with a grandson.

After leaving active duty, Katsanis returned to Cincinnati and began his private law practice. Jim maintained a robust solo practice for many years, handling matters of all different kinds. For much of this time, he served as primary counsel for two different savings and loan associations. In 1997 Katsanis joined Frost & Jacobs (now Frost Brown Todd) to concentrate on estate planning, probate and real estate matters and retired at the end of 2008. Jim also combined his love of both the law and Wall Street by serving as an arbitrator for the New York Stock Exchange.

Jim was a dedicated booster of the University of Cincinnati. Jim and his wife, Diane, held season tickets for both UC football and basketball for decades. In addition, Jim supported the College of Law by leading one of its largest scholarship funds, the George C. Katsanis Scholarship Fund, and endowing a professorship named in honor of his father, The Andrew Katsanis Memorial Professorship.

Jim loved Big Band music and investing in and following the stock market. He was a member of the Cincinnati Athletic Club for over fifty years and worked out there almost every day. A dedicated family man, Jim shared these interests with his children and grandchildren. They now thank him for their ear for music, stock portfolios and physical fitness.

Katsanis is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Diane L. Katsanis, his four children, Julie Wilson (Russell), Jody Katsanis (Barrett Brunsman), Mari Huelskamp (Raymond), and Ward Katsanis (JeNae), as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Katsanis is also survived by his two brothers, Andrew (Sara) and Thomas (Patty), and twelve nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224; the George C. Katsanis Scholarship Fund, c/o Alumni & Development Office, University of Cincinnati College of Law, PO Box 210040, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0440; or The Dave Herche Cincinnati Athletic Club, 111 Shillito Place, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

The Katsanis family will receive friends on Sunday, February 25, from 4:30 PM until 6:30 PM at T.P. White Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Avenue in Mt. Washington. There will also be a Sigma Chi white rose ceremony at approximately 6:15 PM on Sunday. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 26 at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224.