James Edward Ingram

"Panhead Pappy"

James Edward Ingram

Born: July 22, 1927

Died: Oct. 28, 2004

Only begotten son of Paul Lester Ingram and Janie Norine Ingram, James Edward Ingram was born in New Portage, Ohio, now a part of Barberton, Ohio.

From an early age, our father was a proven leader and provider. When dad was 15, his fa ther, Paul, passed away, so dad went to work full-time in order to support his mother and sis ter, all the while remaining in school and graduating with his class in 1945 from Coventry High School. Dad then enlisted in the U.S. Army, and upon finishing basic training, was pro moted to first sergeant and served at Camp Lee, Va. Within one year dad was promoted again, this time to the rank of sergeant major (with a warrant), commanding 5000-plus men while serving with the Amphibious (Combat) Engineers at Fort Lewis, Wash.

There was always room at dad's workbench for any or all of his children. He was always making or fixing something for us as we grew up. He could take three broken bikes apart and make one swell (and safe) bike. He could take a lawn mower that someone had thrown away and have it run ning like new in 30 minutes, and use it for years.

Dad knew that love wasn't for sale in any of the stores downtown or out of a mail-order catalog, but was homegrown. His opinion was steady and sturdy but only given when asked for, unless of course there was trouble in the air. Then he voiced his opinion loud and clear, whether you liked it or not. He never, ever led us astray. He helped us to stay focused on our objectives, de sires, and needs. He taught us the most important aspect of life is to have just a few needs and even fewer wants. He also taught us to buy American goods and services, never understanding those who didn't support American workers and their families to the fullest.

Dad loved his motorcycles and the freedom they brought to him and to the very end he lived his life his way . . . with grace, honor, honesty, and dignity. He loved us more than his own life and would have given it to protect us if need be, no questions asked. A.F.F.A.

Our father has always been our hero. Our father will always be our hero, and he will be sorely missed from this day for ward.

Preceded in death by parents, Paul Lester Ingram, Janie Norine Ingram, and sister, Ge nevieve, he is survived by daughter, Paula Victoria Ingram; sons, Charles Eugene Ingram, Thomas Ross Ingram, and daughter-in-law, Winifredjane Ingram; stepdaughter, LeAnn Fields of Ann Arbor, Mich.; grandchildren, James E. Ingram, Emily Jean Ingram, and Eric John Ingram; honorary grandsons, Jon and Jason Seiberling and families; nephews, Clark Robenstine of Mobile, Ala., and Mike Robenstine and family of Lakeland, Fla.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 10 a.m., at the Camp field-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, with the family delivering the eulogy. American Legion 449 will conduct military services. Visitation Monday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

(Campfield-Hickman-Collier, 330-745-3161.)