James Joseph Kovac

James Joseph Kovac

James Joseph Kovac, 85, died April 10, 2005, at Bath Manor Special Care Center in Akron, Ohio.

Born on April 29, 1919, in East Moline, Ill., he graduated from United Township High School in East Moline in 1936. From 1936 to 1941, James worked as an apprentice pattern maker and journeyman P.M. at the John Deere Spreader Works in East Moline. James graduated from the University of Illinois in 1943 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering, then went to work for Goodyear Aircraft Corp. in Ak ron, Ohio, from 1943 to 1944. He was a U.S. Army staff sergeant from 1944 to 1946. From 1946, James worked for Goodyear Aerospace as a pro gram manager in the Aircraft Wheels and Brakes Department, retiring in 1984. James had over 17 U.S. patents and numerous engineering awards, including the Willowby Navy Award and F15 First Carbon Aircraft Brake award.

Since 1947, James was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, and as a child was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in East Moline. He was also a member of the Professional Engineers State of Ohio, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and bowling, golf, and bridge leagues of Akron. In early years he played baseball, softball, basketball, and football. He enjoyed poker, continued to follow University of Illinois sports, and was a big fan of the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs.

Preceded in death by parents, Joseph Frank and Angela Dulik Kovac; sister, Helen Marie Sherer; brother, Joseph Frank Kovac Jr.; and son, Brenton James Kovac, he is survived by wife, Jean Sherry Kovac of Ak ron, whom he married at Church of Our Saviour (Episco pal) on May 13, 1944; daugh ter and son-in-law, Christine K. and David Raschke; grandson, Michael D. Raschke, all of Sun River, Mont.; goddaughter, Lynne Sherry Woods of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.; godson, Michael Ryan Reiss of Akron; sisters-in-law, Polly Reiss and Jeanne Sherry of Akron; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (time to be announced). Private inurnment at Rose Hill Burial Park. There are no calling hours. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron 44313, or VNS Hospice, 3359 Ridgewood Rd., Akron 44333. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 330-867-4141.) Please sign the guestbook at

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