James Lewis Wilfred

James Lewis Wilfred, age 79, passed away at his home in Chandler, Arizona, June 28, 2016. He was preceded in death by his son, James Mark Wilfred, his parents, Edmund and Mary Sue Wilfred, and his granddaughter, Bobbie Jo Wilfred. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia "Pat" Wilfred and his grandchildren, Karrie Wilfred of Akron; Jon (Casey) Wilfred of Chandler, AZ; Kelly (Wesley) Simpkins of Akron, and Samantha Wilfred of Murphysboro, TN; and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Phil (Sandy) of Hartville, and Harmon (Carolyn) of Christ Church, New Zealand and his sisters, Janice (Jim) McAlister of Phoenix, AZ, Melinda (Dan) Maughiman of Tallmadge, and Sheryl (Jim) Duncan of Akron.
Jim was born in 1936 in Sedalia, Kentucky, and at age 17 joined the US Navy. He volunteered to join a special-forces group, which was a precursor to the Navy Seals. He served a tour of duty in the Korean War, where he saw action leading to his being awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Metal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Before his active duty was over, he wore Navy Wings as a Flight Engineer and rated as an expert marksman in both rifle and pistol shooting.
Jim worked for BF Goodrich in Akron for 27 years before retiring as an accounting supervisor. During that time, he attended Akron University and Southern Ohio University earning a degree in accounting and computers. Upon retirement, Jim and Pat moved to Chandler, AZ, residing at Sunbird Golf Resort where they became involved in the community and served in many capacities including, Kare Bear co-presidents, Irish club, Relay For Life; manning the Chili Cook Off and the Irish corned beef and cabbage dinner. Jim was a member of the Men's Niner's Golf group, and Desert Navy Club. He was a member of the Sun Lakes Baptist Church and served at Casa Day Amor Mission. Jim was a youth baseball coach, 32nd degree Mason, volunteered at Children's Hospital, and rode mini-bikes in the masonic parades.
Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, July 8, 2016 at Hillside Memorial Park Chapel, 1025 Canton Road, Akron, where Pastor Gary A. Smith will celebrate James' life.
Family and friends may visit from 5:00- 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 7, 2016 at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, please choose a chapter of your choice.