Jeffrey Hawk

JEFFREY HAWK

LIMA — Jeffrey A. Hawk, 58, of Lima, passed away at 6:05 AM on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at The University of Louisville Hospital, surrounded by his family. His passing resulted from complications following surgery.

He was born July 7, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan to Leo J. and Arlene F. (Froehlich) Hawk, who survive in Lima. On June 19, 1982, he married the love of his life, Janet Corey, who survives in Lima.

Jeffrey received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1985, Jeffrey joined American Trim, then Superior Metal Products. He worked in every aspect of the business, eventually rising to CEO and had the privilege to serve as the Chairman of American Trim. Jeffrey was the third generation leader of American Trim. Under his leadership, American Trim continued to grow and re-invent itself through innovation. He was an acknowledged expert on family business succession planning.

Following 9/11, all airplanes were grounded. American Trim payroll checks were due to be overnighted by plane. It was suggested that the employees be told they would have to wait for their checks. Jeffrey would hear none of that. He hired drivers to deliver the checks. He would not allow his employees to miss the company's first payroll.

Jeffrey, though, was more than a businessman. He was a man who cared deeply about people. Jeffrey was not an "ask permission" type. He was an agent of change and a master at organizing projects. He taught himself to say "No" because he cared enormously and hid his secret inclination to always help and say "Yes". But, even so, still he said "Yes", and "Yes" again.

Jeffrey was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He served as the first president of Lima Central Catholic's Governance Board. Jeffrey secured a state grant to convert a landfill adjacent to Lima Central Catholic into a wetland preserve and athletic fields. He launched LCC's soccer program. He supported the Lima Lifeteen program. Generals could have taken lessons from his organization of Catholic School Auctions. He served on the Board for the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame.

He was humble. Profoundly private, Jeffrey was reluctant to receive acknowledgement for his numerous community activities. Uncharacteristically, he recently presided over the dedication of Lima Stadium Park.

Jeffrey was a devoted, caring and loving husband and adored his two remarkable sons.

As a friend, he was generous with wisdom and advice. Jeffrey was fiercely loyal.

Everyone who knew him came upon the brightness of his spirit. He had a sharp sense of humor and a deep laugh. The pleasures he gave to all he brushed up against are as incalculable as the depths of the joy he brought to the world. While reaffirming the joy from his life, commending him to eternal rest; we resolve always to remember him as a admirable man, in our eyes and, surely, in the the eyes of the Lord.

Survivors also include his two sons, Matthew Corey Hawk of Chicago, IL and Mark Andrew (fiancée, Veronica Wende) Hawk of South Bend, IN; his sister Michelle Heit of Louisville, KY; his two brothers Bryan Hawk of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and Timothy (Michele) Hawk of Dayton, OH; his three nieces Meaghan, Kaitlyn and Ashton; his three nephews Logan, Matthew and Daniel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2200 W. Elm Street, Lima, Ohio with Father Kent Kaufman officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Gethsemani Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. A parish wake service will immediately follow the visitation at 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Lima Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1001 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima, OH 45804 or The Father Herr Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 787, Lima, OH 45802.