James E. Warner

James E. Warner, 85, passed away February 25, 2012.

Born to Mary and Geoffrey Warner in Hagerstown, Md., he was a lifelong resident of the Akron area, attending Garfield High School.

James joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Radio Technician, and attended Ohio State University. He then worked with his Dad as a finish carpenter before beginning his career at Goodyear Aerospace, retiring after 30 years of service on the Defense Program and in the Wheel & Brake Division.

James was a 63-year member of American Legion Post 209 where he marched in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He was active as a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed woodworking, gold, bowling and the computer. His love of reading, especially of science and history, started early. When he was a boy, he read an entire set of encyclopedias.

Preceded in death by brother, Billy; and sister, Mary Alice Miskalo. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of 61 years; son, Mark (Janette); daughter, julie Ashbrook; granddaughters, Karli and Kayla Ashbrook; sister, Rita (Jack) Southwood of Tustin, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, 11 a.m., at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd., Akron 44312, with Rev. Dr. Mark Thomas Ruppert officiating.  Burial at Hillside Memorial Park, where military rites will be conducted.  Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and from 10 a.m. until the service time on Thursday.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association, 1815 W. Market St., Suite 108, Akron, OH 44313, or First Presbyterian Church, 647 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44304.