Manchester Obituary: James Glass, 87

James Arthur Glass, 87 of Manchester, husband of the late Ruth Ann (Kline) Glass, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Manchester Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.

Jim was born on October 22, 1928 in Akron, Ohio, son of William J. and Florence I. (Garver) Glass. He was raised in the midwest and was a US Army combat veteran of the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star. He then attended and graduated from the University of Missouri.

Prior to retiring Jim had a very distinguished career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford that spanned several decades. He started at the beginning of the jet powered commercial aircraft era and was instrumental in the development and certification of many engine models that are still powering aircraft today. His dedication to making sure the products were well developed helped to make air travel one of the safest modes of transportation. Jim was involved with several flight test programs, during his career, whose manufacturers appreciated working with a knowledgeable individual of impeccable integrity.

Jim was a longtime member of North United Methodist Church and was involved in many church functions and boards, including being the church lay leader. He was also an instructor at the former Glastonbury Rifle Club and a member at the Blackledge Golf Course in Hebron.

He is survived by three daughters and their husbands, Vicky and Gary Ladabouche of Manchester, Barbara and Collins Judd of Manchester, and Linda and Gordon Tolman of Keene, NH; four grandchildren, Jamie Ladabouche, Lindsay Ladabouche, Matthew Judd, and Michael Judd; his brother, Charles “Chuck” Glass and his wife Carol of California, his sister-in-law, Marge Glass of Virginia, and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife he was predeceased by his brother, William “Jack” Glass.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 28, at 10:30 AM at the North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street, Manchester. Burial with military honors will follow in the East Cemetery in Manchester. Visiting hours are Friday, May 27, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North United Methodist Church Building Improvement Fund.

To leave a message for his family please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com.