George P. Chima

George P. Chima, 94, died September 3, 2015.
Born in Akron May 15, 1921, he graduated from Garfield High School. During World War II, he suffered a severe shoulder wound, earning him a Purple Heart. He attended the University of Akron, where he was a kicker for the Zips football team and a member of the Lone Star fraternity. After college, he joined his father, Peter, his brother, Cornel, and sisters, Mary and Helen in the family business. Together, they expanded Chima Travel into a leading regional agency. In 1949, George married Jean M. Swift at the First Presbyterian Church of Akron. George served as Deacon and Elder of the church and was active in numerous business and social organizations including the Rotary Club of Akron and the University of Akron Alumni Board. He organized and escorted countless tours and travel experiences for individuals and organizations including the Akron Beacon Journal, University of Akron Alumni groups, Witan, and Akron Woman's City Club. George and Jean traveled extensively, and their home was a showcase for the memories they collected.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jean; his son, Trent George; his sisters, Mary and Helen; and brothers, Nicholas and Virgil. He is survived by his sons and daughters in law, Rod and Cinda (Williams) Chima, Lance and Mary Lou (Murphy) Chima, Coleen (Revall) Chima, and daughter, Nancy; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Cornel (C.P.) and sister in law, Cornelia; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. with services immediately following with Dr. Mark Ruppert officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Vine Fellowship Church, 3676 Community Lane, Suite 100, Copley 44321 or Akron Rotary Foundation 4460 Rex Lake Dr. Akron, OH 44319. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)