James Sidles

James Sidles, 78, of Richfield, passed away at his home Wednesday, May 12, 2011.

Preceded in death by his parents, Selma and Peter; wife, JoAnn; brothers, Howard and Harry; he is survived by his daughter, Sherry Downey; son, James Paul Sidles; beloved grandchildren, Michael and Justin Downey; twin brother, Peter Sidles; and sister, Virginia Bay.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for three years as an officer on battleships, attaining the rank of Lieutenant JG, after having graduated from Iowa State University with an engineering degree. He worked as a research engineer briefly for Firestone, and then for B.F.Goodrich, where he spent the rest of his career working in the field of rubber, plastics, and polymer research, with an emphasis on the design and manufacture of commercial jet airliner brakes, passenger tires, race car tires, and many other projects.

He had a number of patents filed for his inventions. He retired from B.F. Goodrich after 30 years of service, and enjoyed his retirement doing what he loved to do best. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, and was always challenging himself to learn something new. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren and watching them grow up. They were the greatest joy of his life, along with his passion for music. He sang in the choir at Richfield United Church of Christ for 45 years, rarely missing a Sunday. He was able to participate in his choir's annual Easter Cantata shortly before his death. He was a kind, loving, generous father, grandfather, brother, friend, co-worker, and member of his church choir, who were like family to him. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, June 9th at 7 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Richfield, 4340 Streetsboro Rd., Richfield, OH 44286. Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel