James C Temo, a lover of family, dance, film, theatre, Cedar Point's French fries and live shows in Las Vegas... peacefully passed away Thursday, January 17, 2018.
James was born October 29,1933 to Greek immigrant parents who instilled in him a fierce love and commitment to family and an incredible work ethic. He started his job in the family business, Temo's Candies, at the young age of 13.
Making chocolates came naturally to him but everyone soon realized that mathematics and mechanical drawing was his true calling. James was plucked out of college by BF Goodrich and quickly became a star design engineer. Among his many contributions, he was part of the four man team that designed the original spacesuit for NASA and was the main design engineer for the inflatable escape slides still used on all commercial airlines today.
He dedicated over 3 decades of service to BF Goodrich and during that time continued to work after hours, along side his brother at Temo's Candies. He always found the time to help his nieces, nephews and many godchildren with mathematics homework and managed to never miss a play, gymnastics tournament, concert or basically ANY event they were a part of. He was far more a second father than an uncle to all of us.
A devoted Greek Orthodox Christian, he's been a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church his entire life. He proudly served in the US Army Tank Core, stationed in Munich, Germany during the Korean War. He loved his Greek/Albanian heritage, spoke both languages fluently and was a member of the American Albanian Club.
James is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Elaine Temo: siblings, Lawrence (Joan) Temo, Connie Temo Kanakaredes: nieces/daughters & nephews, Lia (KJ) Shiekh, Aretta (Dale) Bernard, Melina (Peter) Constantinides, Marija Temo, Kristen (Ed) King, Andrea Desillas, Stephen (Marsha) Desillas and Anthony Desillas: grandnephews/grandnieces, Johnny, Jimmy, Dina, Ariana, Anya, Zoe, Karina, Stefan, Alexander, Markos and so many more, it's tough to count... he was Theo Jimmy to all.
Friends & family may call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. MONDAY January 22, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron, OH 44304. Service begins at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Jerry F. Hall and Rev. Fr. Andrew Lentz officiating. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
Cemetery Details
Rose Hill Burial Park
3653 W. Market St.
Fairlawn, OH, 44333
Visitation
JAN 22. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
129 S UNION STREET
AKRON, OH, 44304
Service
JAN 22. 11:30 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
129 S. Union St.
Akron, OH, 44304