Dr. James Stone Widder

Dr. James Stone Widder obituary

Dr. James Stone Widder

Upcoming Events

Oct

5

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Weil Kahn Funeral Home

8350 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

Oct

5

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Weil Kahn Funeral Home

8350 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

James Widder Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Weil Kahn Funeral Home on Sep. 30, 2025.

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James (Jim) Stone Widder, Ph.D., age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born on February 28, 1935, to the late Milton and Dorothy (née Stone) Widder, Jim was a devoted husband to the late Susan (née Schwartz) Widder, and a loving father to Deborah "Debbie" (José) Marques and Karen (Kent Cleland) Widder. He was the beloved grandfather of Nicolas Marques, Dylan Marques, Larkin Cleland, and Chloe Cleland. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara (John) Beazle, and was preceded in death by his brothers, John Widder and Robert Widder. Jim was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences, an M.S. in Immunology, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. He went on to complete postdoctoral work at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. In 1962, Jim began a distinguished career at The Procter & Gamble Company, while also teaching at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. A dedicated scientist and educator, he was credited with more than 45 patents and publications throughout his career. In 1968, Jim and Susan discovered a shared passion for antiques, becoming well known within the Midwest antiques community and forming lasting friendships along the way. In retirement, they traveled extensively-visiting South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, the Amazon, China, Alaska, and many parts of Europe. More than anything, Jim cherished spending time with his many friends and family. He found his greatest joy in being a grandfather and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved most. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 5, at 11 a.m. at the Weil Kahn Funeral Home (8350 Cornell Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249), with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati, 4360 Cooper Rd. Cincinnati, OH. 45242.

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Yesterday

John Taulbee posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Kathy Beil-Morgan posted to the memorial.

September 30, 2025

David Rosekrans posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

John Taulbee

Yesterday

Jim Widder was an excellent mentor to me at Procter & Gamble. I really appreciated his advice and encouragement. = John Taulbee

Kathy Beil-Morgan

Yesterday

How fitting that I'm reading this while traveling in South Africa. If it were not for Jim, I would not have had a nearly 30 year career at P&G. I had my Associate degree in Animal Health Technology (veterinary nurse), and took both advanced microbiology and immunology & serology from him in 1980.

He enthralled our class (well, at least me!) with detective-style tales of finding clues and solving problems through microbiology and immunology. Toxic Shock Syndrome research that he was involved with was one such story, what public parts he could reveal.

He had a unique teaching style which I appreciated greatly - a combination of rapid-fire storytelling with sketches, big gestures, and immense enthusiasm all compacted within the first hour of a 3-hour evening course. It was like drinking from a firehose! He stated upfront that he would do that, and stay to answer questions for as long as we'd like, being respectful of our time as evening college students. What a great approach!

I asked Jim one evening what kinds of jobs were available for veterinary technicians/nurses at P&G. He stared pointedly at me but didn't answer my question directly. Instead, he asked "How much money do you make?", then "What are your benefits?" RVT salary & benefits in private practice were pretty laughable then and still not great. After discussion, he said "Run! Don't walk to the nearest P&G employment center! I need someone in my micro lab right now!"

I did explore that option and by the time P&G went through the whole hiring process, Jim's job was filled, but I got one with his mentor.

I've forever been grateful for his enthusiasm and sharing knowledge in such a meaningful way. To his friends and family, I offer this story of Jim's influence on my life, and my deepest condolences. It sounds like he had a lifetime of riches and a life well and truly lived.

Sincerely, Kathy Beil-Morgan

David Rosekrans

September 30, 2025

Jim was a poker buddy for 38 years, a coworker at P&G and a truly respected scientist. One of the good guys!

Mary

September 30, 2025

Jim was my teacher of immunology and serology at UC night school. He was also a co worker at P&G in Special Products who always had a smile and warm greeting...he was a delight. We chatted about antiques, a passion we both shared and he told me his favorite antique stores to try. He will be missed and fondly remembered by me.
My Deepest Sympathy to his family and friends.
Mary Perkins

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Weil Kahn Funeral Home

8350 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

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Upcoming Events

Oct

5

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Weil Kahn Funeral Home

8350 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

Oct

5

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Weil Kahn Funeral Home

8350 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249