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 James L Aldridge
NEWARK: James L. Aldridge
June 28, 1940 - August 11, 2012
A celebration of life service for James L. Aldridge, 72, of Heath, will be held at Brucker & Kishler Funeral Home 10:00A.M. Wednesday, August 15, 2012 with Reverends Thomas Keene, Jerry Wiles and Joseph Bathe officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery followed by Licking County Veterans Alliance military honors.
He was born in Buffalo, New York on June 28, 1940 to the late Edward C. and Grace (Hoffman) Aldridge.
Jim passed away at home on August 11, 2012 with his loving family at his side and the loving care and support of Hospice of Central Ohio.
In 1958, Jim graduated from Depew High School, Depew, New York and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served two years active duty and seven years in the U. S. Navy Reserves, consecutively.
Graduating from Bryant & Stratton College, Buffalo, New York with an Associate Degree in Business Administration, and being certified in the National Purchasing Association led Jim to his goal of building a successful business in the future. In September 1973, his article, "A Purchasing Manager Is:" was published in the Niagara Frontier Purchaser publication. His career included Purchasing Manager for Aimco Industries, Grand Island, New York, Ward Hydraulics of Alden, New York/Newark, Ohio, and Communicolor, Hebron, Ohio.
Jim freelanced in photography for many years while working his full time job as purchasing manager. Jim was a certified member of the Professional Photographers of America. In 1977, Jim opened his business, J & B Photography Studio in Heath, Ohio and later, an additional studio in Pickerington, Ohio. He enjoyed photographing schools, sports, graduating seniors, business executives, family portraits, weddings and commercial photography. He also served as photographer for the City of Heath, Davis Shai House, Heath News, Heath Sertoma and Millersport United Methodist Church. He always loved to make people smile or laugh in order to bring out their personality.
When Jim's health failed and he required a lung transplant, the business was sold to Dave Hall of Hall & Son and the legacy continued on under the J & B Photography Studio name.
Over the years, Jim's favorites were camping and boating with his family and friends, traveling, writing, reading about the Civil War and volunteering in the community. He always had a camera with him and he love to capture the perfect outdoor nature scene, fun candid shots and portraits of his four grandchildren, and award winning competition entries for professional photography.
Jim loved to take his "Herbie the Love Bug" golf cart to Heath Football games and would escort the Bulldog mascot around the field and assist the Heath Sertoma members in parking for the games. At the annual Heath July 4th Star Spangled Banner celebration Jim would distribute cold water to the Sertoma workers and kids enjoyed seeing Herbie and getting a ride.
His favorite song was Louie Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World", which he felt said it all, and his favorite spiritual hymn was "Slow Me Down O'Lord.
Jim knew he was blessed to receive a transplant and the twelve additional years of life allowed him to be an advocate for donor awareness serving Lifeline of Ohio and sharing with numerous churches, clubs and individuals about his "gift of life". He also supported patients waiting for a lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic and those in the community who would contact him.
Jim was a member of the Millersport United Methodist Church and served as treasurer for many years.
Jim was one of the first volunteers at the at the Davis Shai House where he enjoyed dressing in vintage costumes portraying Jackson Davis to greet guests and entertain at functions from 2002 to 2011. It was only fitting that he and his wife, Betty, celebrate their 50th anniversary with family and friends at Jim's second home.
He enjoyed giving back to the community as a member and officer of Heath Sertoma, where he served as treasurer, president and trustee. Jim received the 1997-1998 Community Achievement Award, 2002-2003 Sertoman of the Year award and the 2009 Sertoma Service Award for 2000 hours of service.
Jim was a member of the Masonic Order for 47 years. In 1975, Jim served as Worshipful Master of Depew Lodge #823 F & AM in Lancaster, New York and transferred his membership to Heath Lodge, Heath, Ohio in 1978.
He is survived by his wife Betty M. (Bathe) Aldridge, daughters Angela (Edward) Aldridge-Mead of Newark, Lisa (Lee) Aldridge-Gillispie of Heath; brothers Edward H. (Ellen) Aldridge of Las Vegas, Nevada, Carl L. (Edwina) Aldridge of Grand Island, New York; sister Sharon D. Aldridge-Wozniak of Matthews, North Carolina; grandchildren James Hunter, Emily Grace, Meida Lee, Brighton Lee Pengbo (Peebo) Gillispie; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Aldridge is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Robert Aldridge.
Friends and family may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Tuesday August 14, 2012 at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21.St., Newark.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davis Shai House, 301 Central Parkway, Heath, Ohio 43056, Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055 or Lifeline of Ohio, 770 Kinnear Road, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43212.
T sign an online guest book, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com and click obituary/view full details/add memorial guest book entry.
Published in the Advocate from August 13 to August 14, 2012
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