James Harmon Kramer, 81, of Fairlawn, died April 1, 2006, at Hospice Care Center.

He was born on Aug. 20, 1924. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Corlena Kramer; daughter, Sheila Kramer; brothers, Lyle and Tod; sisters, Louella and Nena.

Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Donna (nee Richardson); children, Kevin (Therese) Kramer, Lisa (Dennis) Shammo, and Karen (Jeff) Shaffer; 11 grandchildren, Patrick, Paul, Riley, and Anne Kramer, Dillon, Kasey, and Haleigh Shammo, Sheila, Kate, Anna Rose, and Mary Claire Shaffer; loving sisters, Eve Rossman and Mabel (Larry) Menietti.

Jim was a graduate of the University of Illinois. He was an engineer and retired from B.F. Goodrich after 45 years as Director of Molded Products, holding 50 patents. Jim was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church for 50 years, serving as an usher and counter. He was a member of St. Hilary Church. Jim was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 547 and American Legion Post 473. He was on the school board and a CYO basketball coach. Jim was a veteran of World War II, proudly serving as a United States Marine on Midway Island.

We wish to thank all those who cared for Jim at the Cleveland Clinic. Also, special thanks to our dear friends for their prayers and many acts of kindness, and our new friends at Hospice for their loving care.

Jim was a Man for all Seasons. He was a loving and gentle soul.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2006, 10 a.m., at St. Bernard's Church, 44 University Ave., with a prelude by Partrick Flynn starting at 9:45 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery and the VFW Post 7971 of Copley will conduct a military service. Friends may call at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St., Akron, on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Church, 44 University Ave., Akron, Ohio 44308, or Hospice of VNS, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, Ohio 44333.