John Boles

John Charles Boles II (58), owner/operator of Ironman Automotive in Akron passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday April 1, 2025. He was born on December 17, 1966 in Ravenna, Ohio to John Boles and Dorothy (Boles) Wise. He was a 1985 graduate from Southeast High School and Maplewood Area Joint Vocational School where he completed their Welding Program.

As a young boy, John liked superheroes, comic books and cars - especially muscle cars. He was artistic and could often be found drawing pictures of cars or his own make believe superheroes. As he grew older, he played baseball for Palmyra Hot Stove and was on the County Savings and Loan team that became the State Finalists in 1978. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved the friendly banter with anyone who was a Cleveland Browns fan. But these interests paled in comparison to his love of cars and his dream to work on cars.

While attending Maplewood, he worked part-time at Atwater Welding and Supply. A few years later he became a partner of Atwater Automotive when the previous business was sold. When this partnership dissolved, John's love of car restoration and fabrication led him to becoming self-employed as the owner/operator of Ironman Automotive in 1994. His shop was originally located in Kent, but later moved to Akron where his business remained open until his passing. He was ASE certified and specialized in muscle car restoration, auto body collision repair, custom paint and performance engine building. John was meticulous and his workmanship was by far some of the best.

John had a passion for music and loved classic rock and 80's Heavy Metal. Some of his favorite bands included KISS, Cheap Trick, Black Sabbath and AC/DC. The classic Black Sabbath intro leading in to Ozzy saying "I am Iron Man" was one of the first songs he learned and later became the name of his business. John learned how to play guitar and over the years he played bass in several bands including Rockin' Ron and a Touch of Country, the Backbone Band, Backtrack (with his brother-in-law Steve) and most recently Southern Overdrive. He was known for singing AC/DC's T.N.T. and Bob Dylan's Knockin' on Heaven's Door.

As much as he loved music, his ultimate favorite pastime was fishing. As a young boy he started going fishing with his dad and grandpa at West Branch and Bower's Lake, which turned into a lifelong pastime whether he was by himself or meeting up with friends or family. Whether it was Wingfoot Lake, West Branch, Lake Milton, a creek or the pond on the property of his childhood home, John would spend hours fishing and maybe only catch a few small bluegill - but he would always have a story about 'the big one that got away'!

John was soft-spoken, kind-hearted and had an infectious laugh. He could easily have a room full of people laughing just because he was laughing. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was very knowledgeable, not only about mechanical issues but any household repairs. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

John is survived by his mother and step-father, Dorothy and Jim Wise; sister Sheila Grega and nephews Nathan and Ryan: step-sisters Niki Dishman and Erin Batchlet, nephew Jacob and nieces Maranda, Maddie and Kaylee; uncle Sam Boles; aunt Debbie Boles; his special cousin Stephanie Donham; lifelong best friend Curtis Hambright; girlfriend Lakia Mull; and his extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents James and Pauline Sohar; paternal grandparents Chuck and Alma Boles; father John Boles; uncle Ed Boles; aunt Sue Boles; brother-in-law Steve Grega; and step-sister Renee Wise.

There will be no formal funeral services. Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.