James Pier

VIEW MEMORIAL PHOTO TRIBUTE James M. Pier Sr. entered into eternal life on Aug. 2 2007 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born March 29 1936 to John and Dorothy Pier in Dayton Ohio. He was the eldest of four children and is survived by his brother David (Donna) Pier and sisters Terry (Larry) Staub and Barbara (Dale) White and many nieces nephews and cousins. After graduating from Wilbur Wright High School Jim was awarded a full scholarship by General Motors to attend the University of Akron. During his college years Jim began his long and satisfying relationship in and with the Akron community. Jim married Carol Marks and became the proud father of four outstanding children; Tracey (Tom) Wathen Juli Uecker Dorothy (Enzo) Torresi and Jim (Judy) Pier Jr. After living in Chicago and Peoria Illinois Jim returned to Akron in 1970 and founded Pier Associates a manufacturer's representative firm to the HVAC industry. Jim spent more than thirty years working in a business that he prized developing many enduring friendships and professional relationships. In business Jim demonstrated a true entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering integrity. He was always open to new ideas and worked with others to advance technology and innovation in his field. He served as an advisor to many manufacturers and was a lifetime member of ASHRAE. In 1984 Jim married the love of his life Brenda (Black) and had two wonderful sons Brian a senior at Miami University and Gregg a junior at St. Vincent -St. Mary High School. Jim was a doting and devoted grandfather to his 11 grandchildren: John Joseph Emily (deceased) and Henry (Wathen); Victoria Jack Clayton and Jane Anne (Uecker); and Caroline Kirstin and Jimmy III (Pier). Jim centered his life around his faith and his family and he especially enjoyed skiing hiking and picnics with his family. It was his great joy to spend time with his family and friends at the Outer Banks in North Carolina where together they shared many memorable vacations. These were cherished times when he and Brenda thrived on the opportunity to recharge reconnect and relax with loved ones. Jim was a long time member of St. Sebastian Church and served on the Foundation Board. He was also on the Executive Board at St. Vincent- St. Mary High School and a member of the University of Akron Zip Athletic Club Advancement Council. Jim carried an enduring passion for the game of golf from his earliest days on the golf team in high school and college up through the many years he played with family friends and customers at Firestone Country Club Fairlawn Country Club The Currituck Club in North Carolina and on courses around the United States. Jim believed that a person's character was revealed through how they played the game. All those who were privileged to know Jim appreciated him as a noble generous and honorable man with great depth of character. Jim was a kind and loving spirit who always saw the best in everyone. He will be dearly missed! Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday August 7 2007 11:00 AM at St. Sebastian Catholic Church 476 Mull Ave. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange St. Akron Monday from 3-7 PM. Should friends desire memorials may be made to the St. Sebastian Foundation 476 Mull Ave Akron OH 44320 or to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School 15 N Maple Street Akron OH 44303.