Obituary for James R. Purdon
Dr. James Ralph Purdon
SILVER LAKE -- Dr. James Ralph Purdon died peacefully at home on July 8, 2017 in Silver Lake, Ohio at the age of 84.
James is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patsy (Velleca); his children, James (Deborah) of Maplewood, N.J., Cynthia (Richard) of Westmont, Pa., Thomas (Nora) of Chippewa Lake, Ohio and John (Christine) of Barnegat, N.J.; his siblings, Robert (Wanda) of El Paso, Texas; William (Alison) of Reminderville, Ohio; his grandchildren, Richard, Kristina, Joseph, John Michael, Thomas, Caroline and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy and his son, David.
He was a loving husband and wonderful father and grandfather.
James was born on February 9, 1933 in Akron, Ohio. He married Patsy, the love of his life, in 1954. A brilliant scholar, he received his PhD in Physical Polymer Chemistry from the University of Akron. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Aberdeen, Md., he returned to the Akron area and began working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber as a Chemist in the Research and Development Department. Known as "Gentlemen Jim" to his coworkers and staff, he retired from Goodyear after a long and distinguished career as an executive and holder of numerous patents. During retirement, he and Patsy travelled the world achieving their goal of visiting all seven continents.
His children and grandchildren remember him as a kind and gentle man who was always interested in their activities and proud of their accomplishments. He enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, fishing, camping, family vacations at the beach, playing board games, volunteering and golfing. Generous in thought and deed, he was always available to his friends and family to provide guidance and support through reflections on his own life and sage anecdotes. A man of integrity and faith, he was an active and dedicated member of First United Methodist Church.
Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 13 at First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, internment immediately following at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate James'' life. Donations may be given to First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls Youth Music Fund.
The family would like to express our appreciation to his aide Vinnie for her heartfelt care and dedication to our beloved husband, father, and grandfather throughout his journey with Alzheimer''s disease.
To view tribute video, send condolences or sign the guest book visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com