Ronald Earl James

Ronald Earl James, age 63, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 2:17 a.m. at Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care, Morrison House. Ron was born on April 18, 1948, in Zanesville, Ohio, the son of H. Earl James and Peggy (Schlaegel) James of Zanesville, Ohio. Ron graduated from Maysville High School in 1966. He married Teresa Jane Carder on August 6, 1968. Ron obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1971 in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He earned his Professional Engineer's License, State of Ohio, in 1976. Ron had also been a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Ohio Chapter. Ron began his career as an engineer in Cincinnati, Ohio, before returning to Zanesville in 1977. He owned and operated a structural steel fabrication business, Wayne Manufacturing in Duncan Falls, for 27 years before taking an early retirement in 2005 due to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Ron continued to live at home for a few more years while enjoying cattle farming with his family. In late March of this year, he became a resident of the Muskingum County Home, where he quickly made many friends with the outstanding caregivers. He then lived at Morrison House, with the most wonderful caregiving, located on the site where Dr. Robert Morrison's office once stood. Dr. Morrison first gave comfort and attention to Ron in the early years of his life, as his pediatrician, and now, through Morrison House, Ron has received comfort and attention at the end of his life. Ron was baptized and raised in the United Methodist Church, a lifetime member. In the 1970s, Ron was a member of the Eastern Hills Jaycees in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been an active member of the Springfield Township Lions Club. Ron was elected to the Maysville School District Board of Education (1984-1988), serving two of those years as President. Ron loved pleasure boating and was very active in the Muskingum Valley Boating Association. He spent his last several years enjoying activites with his four grandchildren and devoted dog, Abner. Golfing and fishing were also among his favorite sports activities. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his wife, Teresa, and father-in-law, Carl Carder, all of Zanesville, Ohio; twin daughters, Keely (Rob) Ledebur and Kelly (Jim) Mott; four grandchildren, Carter and Caroline Mott, Cal and Wyatt Ledebur, all of Cincinnati, Ohio; four sisters, Kathy (Tim) Clark of Zanesville, Ohio, Patricia (David) LeHotan of Medina, Ohio, Melanie (David) Dunn of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Jeanne (Larry) Jellison of Bethesda, Ohio; many nephews and nieces; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Floreine (Jenkins) Carder; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bradford and Janet Carder. Friends and family may call from 5-8 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2011 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Brian Law officiating. The scattering of the cremains will take place at a later date. By family request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, 70 West Streetsboro St., Ste. #201, Hudson, Ohio 44236 or to Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care, Morrison House, 713 Forest Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701. To send a note of condolence, a sympathy card or comfort food to the James Family: www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com