James P. "Aesop" Cassels, 79, of Dillonvale, OH, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at his home.

James was born Nov. 28, 1945, son of the late Howard and Gladys (Stewart) Cassels. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Lewis, Frank, John and Terry.

James loved his mother dearly, he loved the color purple, and he was a good family man. He was a self-employed carpenter and a member of the Smithfield American Legion.

Surviving are three sons, James P. Cassels, Jr., Shawn Oxley and James P. Oxley; three daughters, Linda (Rhonda) Oxley, Nicole Oxley and Pauline Oxley; seventeen grandchildren; two brothers, Clyde Cassels and Paul Cassels; three sisters, Debbie (Bob) Myler, Linda Jackson and Pauline Oiler, and the mother of his Oxley children, Shirley Oxley.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 22, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield, OH, where services will follow at 1 PM. Rev. Lori Jones will officiate, and burial will take place in Northern Cemetery in Smithfield. www.jefosterfh.com