James E. "Jim" Shambach

James "Jim" Edward Shambach went home to be with his Lord on June 13, 2018 with his daughter by his side. He was born in Akron on March 21, 1925 (the first full day of spring) the 8th of 10 children to the late James C. and Anna B. (Young) Shambach. Jim was one of the greatest generation and proudly served in the US Navy on Destroyer Escort 261 Dionne in the Pacific during World War II. He was self-employed as a plastering contractor for many years and retired from Goodyear with 20 years of service. He enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and many countries in Europe, Africa and Egypt, and was proud to say he drank from Jacob's well, Jim and his wife Lynn retired to Tucson, Arizona for 20 years and in October, 2011, he returned to Akron to be near his daughter and granddaughters. At the age of 87, his dream of a ride on the Goodyear blimp was fulfilled. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his wife, Myrtle "Lynn"; sisters, Ruth (Delbert) King, Esther Whorley, Mildred Pishney and her twin, Martha, Catherine and Bernadette; brothers, George and Larry (Alice Mae); and sisters-in-law, Vera (the mother of his daughter Doris), Eleanor Gates, Clara Weaver and Virginia (Jim) Floyd. He is survived by his loving daughter, Janice "Jan" Traxler; step-son, Craig (Claudia) Gorby; grandchildren, Kari (Rick) Walchalk, Kayla Traxler, Jessica (Scott) Baker and Elisa (Paul) Dunn; great-grandchildren, Dr. Lisa (James) Stoneking, Brett (Amy) Walchalk, Cord Walchalk, Sydney, Nathan and Jillian Baker, and Clover and Sylvan Dunn; great-great grandchildren, Leah and Brayden Stoneking, and Bella and Blake Walchalk; brothers, Howard and Russell (Arlene); brother-in-law, Cork Whorley; many nieces and nephews; and best friends, Frank and Connie Lopez, of Tucson, Arizona. The family would like to thank the staff, residents and special aides at The Merriman for their love and care over the last 6 years and 9 months and also to the staff of Harbor Light Hospice, especially Kris, Heather and Jamie. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2018 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St. The funeral service will be at the funeral home on Monday, June 18 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Terry Baker officiating. Interment with military honors at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Merriman Good Life Foundation, stipulated for activities.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E. "Jim" Shambach, please visit our floral store.