John F. Start Jr.

Oak Park, NJ - Mr. John F. Start, Jr., 82, died Monday, March 31, 2003 at his residence after an extended illness. He was a native of New York residing most of his life in New Jersey and living in Oak Park since 1990. Mr. Start was a retired chemist employed with FMC Corporation from 1949 until retirement and was credited with securing 12 patents. He graduated cum laude from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY in 1949 with a BS degree in chemistry. He was a Navy veteran of War World II serving as a Chief Petty Officer aboard the USS McCalla and the USS Raven. He was decorated for his contribution in saving the crew of a foundering merchant vessel by swimming to the vessel, establishing communications, and providing directions for the rescue effort. Mr. Start, a private pilot, was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was a member of Oak Park United Methodist Church. He served as an volunteer running coach for the Mercer County Community College in Trenton, NJ. He participated in numerous marathons and other long distance running events, winning the Boston Marathon and the Philadelphia Marathon six times each in the 55-and- Over category. He was preceded in death by his parents John F. Start, Sr. and Marie C. Vanclief Start of Staten Island, NY Mr. Start is survived by his wife: Ruenelle Woods Phillips Start of Oak Park; four daughters, Alice Valentine of Bradenton, FL, Lisabeth Varanyak of Robbinsville, NJ, Christine Warren of Hartford CT, and Maureen Boyle of Mays Landing, NJ; two sons, Dr. John F. Start, III of Munich, Germany and Alan Start of Stewart, FL; three step-daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca and Ray Peterson of Watkinsville, GA, Jodale and Wayne Fails of Greenville, SC, and Rhonda and Wayne Lanier of Greer, SC; two stepsons and daughters-in-law, Van and Doris Phillips of Vidalia and Nathan and Tina Phillips of Glennville; one step daughter-in-law, Val Phillips of Mt. Vernon; one brother, Raymond J. Start of Hobe Sound, FL; one sister, Marie T. Searles of LeCanto, FL; 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three step grandsons, and two step great-granddaughters. Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 3, at the Ronnie L. Stewart Family Funeral Service Chapel of Vidalia with Rev. Hilda ONeal and Rev. Kenneth Watkins officiating. Burial: Oak Park City Cemetery. Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Oak Park United Methodist Church or United Hospice, 106 W. Main St., Swainsboro, GA. 30401. Ronnie L. Stewart Family Funeral Home Savannah Morning News, April 2, 2003