James Bigalow "Jim" Heisler

HEISLER JAMES BIGALOW "JIM" HEISLER, Industrialist, age 88, of Kent, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born August 5, 1916, in Ravenna, he was the son of the late Clyde A. and Anita (Bigalow) Heisler. From 1936 until the late 1970's, Mr. Heisler was an owner of the A.C. Williams Company in Ravenna, and during World War II, he worked with the Canadian Government in the manufacturing of light weight materials for aircraft. He was Director of Second National Bank in Ravenna from 1957 until 1978, and during his last three years with the bank, he was Chairman. From 1976 until 1980, he was on the Board of Directors with Society Corporation. In the late 1990's, he endowed an Ethics Chair at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. "Jim" Heisler was an avid walker whose brisk stride took him out for long periods of time in all kinds of weather. In 1957, his back was seriously injured in a vehicular accident, and he worked with the University Hospital in Cleveland as they developed pioneering medications and rehabilitation treatments to help him and others overcome similar injuries. With perseverance and dedication, he was able to walk again for many years until arthritis took its toll. With a love for music as a young man in the 1930's and 1940's, he played the saxophone and clarinet with area dance bands at Myers Lake and Kent State. Mr. Heisler was a member of the United Church of Christ of Kent, was a 60 year member of the Ravenna Masonic Lodge, and was also a member of the Ravenna Elks Club. The Davey Tree Expert Company photographed his meticulously manicured lawn for use in their advertisements. In the 1960's, he was one of the early Northeast Ohio people who began to settle in Naples, Florida. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Josephine (Douglas) Heisler; step-son, Tim (Dixie) Ludick of Aurora; step-daughter, Megan (David) Pilarcik of Palm Springs, California; step-grandson, David Ludick of Aurora; Yank (Lynn) Heisler of Shaker Heights, one of 12 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean W. Heisler; brothers, Robert and Bruce; sister, Mary McCormick; and nephew, Michael McCormick. Friends will be received from 9:45 A.M. until the 11:00 A.M. service on THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2005, at the WOOD-KORTRIGHT FUNERAL HOME, 703 EAST MAIN STREET, RAVENNA, OH 44266. Services will be officiated by the Reverend Dr. Paul Ashby, and interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ravenna. Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ of Kent, 1427 Horning Road, Kent, Ohio 44240; the Arthritis Foundation, 4767 Higbee Ave., N.W., Canton, Ohio 44718-2551; or to the Heisler Ethics Chair at Ohio Wesleyan University, 61 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015. WOOD-KORTRIGHT, RAVENNA 330-296-6436