James A. Stokes Jr.
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James A Stokes Jr. 98, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Monday, October 25, 2021 at the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
He was born in Charlotte. NC on August 11, 1923, the son of James A. and Myrtle P. Stokes.
On June 29, 1946, he married Jean E. Strout of Concord, MA. She survives him at the Presbyterian Manor after 75 years of marriage.
He graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in June 1941. He attended N.C. State from September 1941 to June 1943 and then entered the U.S. Naval Training program at Tufts college. He then entered the Engineering training program at Cornell University and was commissioned an Ensign USNR in January 1945.
He was assigned to the USS Erben DD631, a destroyer, as an Engineering Officer which served with task force three and five on the Okinawa Campaign and the Empire strikes on Japan. In November 1945 he returned to the U.S. and was responsible for decommissioning the USS Erben and providing technical assistance to the other 8 destroyers in the Des Ron 48, being released from the U.S. Navy in June 1946.
In September 1946 he returned to N.C. State and graduated in June 1947 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He then joined E.I. DuPont Company at the Clinton Iowa Cellophane plant. In 1961 he was assigned to the Construction Design group to complete the design and build of the Clysar facilities near the Cellophane plant.
In September 1965 he was transferred to the Tecumseh Kansas Cellophane plant as Finishing Area Superintendent. In 1975 he was assigned to the Works Engineering Group where he was responsible for the Engineering, Power and Service groups and eventually OSHA compliance. He retired in September 1982 after over 35 years of service with DuPont.
He spent over 12 years as Treasurer of the LMH Endowment Association and was on the building and grounds committee at the First Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, James A. Stokes III and wife, Jackie of Sunset Beach, NC and daughter, Susan Koelling of Wichita, KS, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter and his brother, William C. Stokes. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert F. Stokes.
A private celebration of life will be held at Presbyterian Manor Lawrence on October 30, 2021 with a private interment ceremony to follow at the First Presbyterian Church.
Memorial contribution may be made (in lieu of flowers) in his name to the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan fund or First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence Endowment Fund. Please send contributions in care of Warren- McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
We are so sorry to learn of Jim’s death. Our thoughts are with Jean and the family.
It was an honor and blessing to know Jim. I will continue to celebrate his life remembering his humor, the stories of his bravery, love for his family and friends.
Until we meet again Jim at His feet.
We worked with Jim at the Tecumseh DuPont Plant and always found him to be such a kind and considerate man. He loved to get together with us at King Buffet to have lunch with all the surviving DuPont retirees and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. Jim was a giant of a man in the work place and we don’t mean the size of his body. He was always professional and cared about the company he worked for plus those he worked with. His back issues were a big disappoint to all of us because it was hard for Jim to keep coming and having lunch with us in Lawrence. Jim had a kind and sweet spirit and we are sure Jim is in heaven and providing some technical advice if needed up there. On behalf of Jim’s DuPont family of friends, we wish him God’s speed and may he rest now without back problems to contend with. Jim was a good and faithful servant of the Lord.
Sorry for your loss, prayers are with you and your family. Jim was a true “Southern Gentleman “
Dearest Suzi and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts have been heavy for all of you this past week. It is so hard to lose someone you love. Take good care and may Jim rest in peace.
Much love to all of you,
Rebecca Amis and Jeff King