James W. Hyland

HYLAND

James W., Jr.



On the morning of December 26, 2015, James W. Hyland, Jr., 92, quietly passed away in St. Luke's Hospital in Maumee, having spent an enjoyable holiday with family. Jim, a longtime resident of Maumee, Ohio, is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marian; sons James III (Susan) of Dover, NH, Douglas (Virginia) of W. Lafayette, IN, and daughter Kristin (Richard) Kolb of Delaware, OH; five grandsons, Bryce (Tammy), Nathan (Rebekah), Eric, Daniel, and David; two great-grandchildren, Elliana and Brighton, and sister H. Ruth Hall also survives. James was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 8, 1923 of parents James W. Sr. and Helen C. (Roth) Hyland. Preceding him in death were his brothers John, Charles, and Robert.

After graduating from John Marshall High School in Cleveland, Jim attended Fenn College of Engineering until called to duty in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. He received navigation training at Ellington Field, TX, and graduated as a 2nd Lt. assigned to the 8th Air Force. He and his crew flew 30 combat missions out of England and were shot down on the last mission by German artillery. He was a prisoner of war in Germany until released by Gen. Patton's forces in April of 1945. He was awarded a 1st Lt rating, the Air Medal with five clusters, Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, and the POW Medal.

Jim continued his education at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1948 with a BSChE degree. There he met, fell in love, and married Marian Townsley. They married on June 6, 1948, the day following their graduation. They moved to Maumee for his job with Plaskon Division of LOF. He subsequently served in engineering capacities at Autolite, Johns-Manville, Owens Illinois, and Dana Corporation. He continued studies, receiving an MS degree and an MBA degree from the University of Toledo. He became a Professional Engineer in 1953 after passing the Ohio Board exams. Jim holds at least eight patents in polymers and processes. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, a charter member of its Toledo chapter and was selected as Toledo's Outstanding Engineer. He was selected as Maumee's Outstanding Citizen for his efforts in establishing the Maumee Senior Center and other community projects, including the formation of a volunteer Quality of Life organization and the City of Maumee Tree Commission. He was instrumental in forming the Lucas County Hazardous Materials committee dealing with safety of the waterways. Jim served for ten years on the Lucas County Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Life-long travelers, he and Marian organized a chapter of the American Field Service at Maumee High School to bring in foreign students and send Maumee High School students abroad for studies. Jim served as committee chairman of Boy Scout Troop 92 and was Cub Master and Explorer Scout Advisor. As a member of the Maumee Exchange Club, he served in most of the chairs. Jim and Marian have been members of the First Presbyterian Church of Maumee for well over 50 years, where he has served as elder, trustee, Sunday school teacher, and leader of adult groups.

Jim and Marian have traveled extensively, covering all of the 50 states, trips to Japan, China, Hong Kong, most of western Europe, Turkey, Canada, the Bahamas, the Czech Republic, Morocco, and Mexico. As members of TOPICS camera club, their cameras went with them everywhere, and they have provided slide shows to various groups.

Over the years, Jim has held membership in several veterans organizations: American Legion Post 335, VFW, Ex-POWs, 8th Air Force Historical Society, 487th Bomb Group Association, Navigators and Observers Association.

Moving to Swan Creek Retirement Village did not slow Jim down. There he continued to be active in woodworking, golf, the Friday Men's lunch group, Armchair Theater, and was chairman of the Activities Committee there. Recreating his childhood role of paperboy, he delivered the Blade to residents on his floor. He loved being active and helping people.

Calling hours will be from 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church of Maumee, 200 E. Broadway, with services following at noon. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens in Waterville, Ohio. Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Maumee. Arrangements have been entrusted to Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, Maumee, Ohio. Online condolences may be shared with the family at

walkerfurneralhomes.com