James Day, owner of Esther Price Candies for 46 years, dies at 92

A longtime owner of Esther Price Candies in Dayton died Friday at the age of 92.

For more than 40 years, James “Jim” Day was one of Esther Price’s co-owners and eventual sole owner. His work was recognized with his induction into a national hall of fame four years ago.

It's with our deepest condolences that we share the passing of Mr. James Day (The Candyman). Mr. Day passed away...

Posted by Esther Price Candies on Monday, September 21, 2020

Day had been a co-owner of the candy manufacturer since 1976, when he and three partners purchased Esther Price Candies Co. Day and another owner bought out the other two after the first two years, and he became sole owner after the death of Ralph Schmidt in 2007.

According to Day’s obituary on the Routsong Funeral Home website, Day was enthusiastic about the candy business, and he regularly worked 6 days per week.

His work was memorialized in 2016, when he was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame, organized by the National Confectionery Sales Association.

The candy industry lost a true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador with the passing of Esther Price Candies' James Day....

Posted by Candy Hall of Fame on Monday, September 21, 2020

In an interview with the Candy Hall of Fame, Day said that he never thought he would be in the candy business. When he became co-owner of Esther Price Candies, he already operated a concrete foundation company. However, he told the hall of fame that he was excited by the new business and was privileged to learn from Esther Price herself, preserving the company’s original recipes.

Day told the hall of fame he attributed his success to being very hands-on, being passionate about and enjoying what he is doing, and treating his employees with respect.

Day was also given the Everest Award in 2014 by the West Chester Chamber of Commerce, which honors those who helped shape the I-75 corridor.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a private family service will be conducted for Day.

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