David Daniels

Since I'm here, I might as well post this too.  I've had a number of inquires about a 55th reunion.  I've responded to emails, but have not been able to do much about it.  Some of you know that 2017 was pretty much a lost year for me with undiagnosed joint pain.  I'm doing okay, maybe a bit better than "okay" right now.  It took 14 months to find out that I have rheumatoid arthritis.  Started on a course of meds a month ago, and the pain had been reduced by at least 90%. I can certainly live with that.

Some of you attended the 61-62-63 reunion last September. I spoke with Pam Groombridge Kilgus a few weeks ago, she had been at the event last fall. It was held at the same place, Embassy Suites in Livonia where we were for #50.. Pam suggested that we could do a 55 deal there too. I suggest we do it in September or October. The weather is still decent for travel.

Pam is willing to head up things, but would need some help. Since she lives in Columbus, Ohio, it would be good to have someone a bit closer. I can handle communications, my email list is still pretty good, but that's about all I can do from the wilds of New York. If you want a reunion, you need to help. Contact Pam at pamelakilgus@yahoo.com. It's pretty late to be pulling this off, but it's possible.

One thing we need to know is numbers. I'm not asking for a commitment right now, but if you would be serious about being here for a THS class of 63, 55-year reunion, please email me at dcd3@cornell.edu and tell me name and how many people.
 

Robert Stockton

I’m saddened to report the passing of another of our classmates, James Martin.

For those that don’t remember, Jim was a four-year member of the wrestling team at THS. He was our starter in the 127-pound class and league champion.

After graduation Jim enrolled at EMU and was a roommate with Joe Halonen and I during our first semester. He was involved in many of our misadventures. For instance, on the night before classes were to start, Jim and I got locked in a girls dorm. Remember this was back when girls had curfews. Since it was all an innocent mistake we were able to talk our way of trouble. Other events are too complicated to address here, however, a few of the old EMU guys might remember Hollow Leg Duffy or the Mushroom and bring back a memory or two.

Remember the Smothers Brothers? They were very popular in the early 60’s. Jim could mimic Tommy Smothers perfectly. He was so good that we convinced many other students that he was actually the third Smothers Brother, going to EMU incognito.

Later Jim decided college wasn’t for him. He dropped out to become an apprentice electrician, He went on to become a journeyman.

Shortly after leaving EMU, Jim volunteered for the Marine Corps. I know he was very proud to have been a Devil Dog. Once a Marine, always a Marine, Semper Fi.

I was in contact with Jim on and off in subsequent years. But, as too often happens, we drifted apart.  I believe the last time I saw him was at the 25^th class reunion.  He was listed as an attendee for the 50^th reunion, but he was a no-show. I had intended to try to reach him, just to see how he was doing, unfortunately I never quite got around to it.

When talk of a 55^th reunion came up I decided I would try to locate Jim and hopefully get him to attend.

What I found doing an internet search was an announcement of his passing on October 29, 2015. The fact that he had been gone for over two years made the news doubly sad. The notice provided no details of his passing.

I thought I should share the bad news. Some of you may have special memories of Jim that you would like to share. I know I for one would like to hear them

As I already said, Semper Fi Marine. 

David Daniels

Bob, it's unwelcome news, but thanks for letting us know.  Regardless, we need to hear it.   I don't have a particular story about Jim, but I certainly remember him, especially as a funny guy -- would have loved to have heard the Tommy Smothers routine. Also, remember him as a pretty good wrestler. I was about the same size as Jim, and he was the reason I didn't go out for wrestling.  I knew I didn't have a chance.  I ended up as a swimmer, which turned out to be a pretty good place for me.  And yes, I also was in college at the time the girls had curfews.  They did voice some complaints that it was unfair, but no one was yelling "sexism!" back then.  We just accepted it as normal procedure.   My dorm was near a bakery that cooked all night so stuff was fresh in the morning.  They started unlocking their doors at 2 AM and the guys (no curfew, of course) hung out for hours getting wonderful things fresh out of the ovens.  We loved telling the women what we had feasted on during the night. At our schoool, this was their main complaint about the curfew.  Anyway, I think we need to hear more about how you two managed to get locked in a girls' dorm afterhours.  There's gotta be more to it than a "accident."  
 

Orval Hayes

As I recall concerning Jim Martin, I was not as heavy  and strong as he, and he whipped me pretty handily in wrestling.  That hurt my pride as I was a year older.  Sorry to hear of his passing...........Orval  Hayes

Thomas Tanner

Bob:

Although I'm very sorry to hear the news about Jim Martin's passing I appreciate you letting us all know.  If my memory serves me correctly Mr. Knotts had us wrestling in gym class to determine weight class champions.  Anyway, I remember I had to wrestle Jim in the final match and obviously he won which ended any thoughts I had to go out for the wrestling team. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe he was left handed because I don't think I had ever wrestled anyone who came at me left-handed before.

Anyway it's very sad that we lost another classmate!  Hope to see you at the 55th Reunion Dinner.

Tom

Leonard Capelli

I too knew Jim well and we did a lot together even after college but as he started to spend more time as a journeyman electrician we drifted apart through the years. Jim and I were roommates a couple of times in college in the Theta Chi House at EMU. There are many stories best left untold. From Thurston, Bob Bishop, Bob Stockton, Jonas Halonen and Jim Todd were fraternity brothers with Jim. 

Tom, I believe Jim was pretty much ambidextrous which accounts for your confusion. I know he golfed right handed, but I know he could throw a ball with either hand. 

May he rest in peace  Joining other friends that were Theta Chi and Marines  

Dennis Abraham

So sorry about Jim Martin belated passing in 2015.First I heard.Jim,really, was a friend to all of us.Rest in peace.

Robert Stockton

Dave:

Sorry to disappoint, but that was perhaps the one time when it all was an honest mistake. As Len Capelli mentioned above, there are a lot of stories, maybe some will be shared at the next reunion.

Tom:

I believe Jim was right-handed, but I'm not positive. If I understand what you mean by "wrestling left handed"

I did most of the time although I'm right-handed. 

And to Greg;

Yes I do remember the deal you and Jim and others pulled on me in the dorm. How could I forget?

Jean McAlees (Winteringham)

Very Sorry to hear another of our classmates, Jim Martin, has passed away.  

I can’t believe we’re 73 this year.  How time has flown.  Seems like the 50th reunion was not that long ago.  Looking forward to a more casual reunion this year.  

Gail Walton (Schimpf)

I'm really sorry to hear this news about Jim Martin. We lost touch a couple of years after graduation. Hopefuuly he had a happy life with lots of fulfilling endeavors.. He was a good hearted guy.

Stephen Leuchtman

I was sorry to learn of Jim's passing.  Like Dave Daniels (and others), I remember Jim as having a great sense of humor.  Also, he was a very gifted athlete.  There was some sort of national fitness test that everyone taking gym (and others who volunteered) could take our senior year.  It involved agility, strength, speed, stamina, etc.  Sort of a decathlon, but not all track events.  The one event I remember was the 600-yard run.  Marty Suchik and Jim were first and second in the overall test, I don't remember the order.  I didn't know Jim was a Marine, but it fits.  Hell of a guy.

Gerald Wiebeck

Yes, my wife and I will attend the 55th celebration

It's obvous that everyone is busy, which explains why data I've provided hasn't been added.  Here is one for Greg Seretian. He had a daughter, Stephanie Ann Seretian who died at age 3 in 1974.

Stephen Leuchtman

I am writing to report that after a long and courageous struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, my wife Jacquelyn "Jacque" passed away on July 18, 2019.  Leaving out an acknowledgment of our daughter's efforts on Jacque's behalf and thanking the people who attended, this is what I said at her funeral:

I had the privilege of loving this wonderful, exceptional woman and waking up to her over 10,000 times.  It never got old.

We shared many interests.  One of them was movies.  We called ourselves "movie sluts."  There was an actress in the Forties named Myrna Loy, who directors would go to when they wanted to cast the perfect wife.  The characters she played were beautiful, sexy, and glamorous but down to earth.  They were intelligent, articulate, and independent.  They were also unfailingly loyal to and supportive of their husbands.  I used to tell people that Jacque was the Myrna Loy of real life wives.

If I could describe Jacque in one word, it would be "passionate."  When we went to her fiftieth high school reunion, a couple of her classmates asked me it she was still a real handful.  I laughed and said, "She sure is."  Jacque threw herself 100 percent into everything she did.  She had strong opinions and wasn't afraid to share them with anyone, especially about politics and her faith, which never wavered for a second.  Even when her dementia was nearly at its worst, she knew who the president was--and she wasn't very happy about it.

Hand in hand with Jacque's passion was her loyalty.  She was well aware of our faults, foibles and flaws.  But God help you if you ever got sideways of our children, our grandchildren, or me.

Despite her passion and her fervent nature, Jacque never took herself too seriously.  She was without pretense.  And she had a fantastic sense of humor that had a little bit of a bite to it.  When we worked together at Sommers Schwartz, we would amuse ourselves by making up limericks about the attorneys and staff.  Hers were better than mine--and, truth be known, a bit bluer.  Unfortunately, none of them are suitable to repeat here.

We were in New York once, and she said she wanted to go to the 21 Club for dinner.  I said I thought it was a little pricey.  So an hour later, we're in the 21 Club.  It turned out that George Burns--who was about 98 at the time--was at the table behind us.  Jacque wanted me to go over and introduce us.  I said, "No, he's eating and we shouldn't disturb him."  So she got up with me following in her wake, and she said, "Mr. Burns, I'm Jacque.  This is my husband Steve, who didn't have the balls to come over and introduce us."  Of course, Burns was charmed.  He took Jacque's hand and kissed it.

We were all charmed by Jacque.  I was charmed by her for thirty years and the 10,000 wake-ups.  She had a gleam in her eye that only the very late stages of this disease could remove.  But I know that gleam is back today and will be forever.

Robert Stockton

Steve,

Very well said. It was my loss not to have known her.

As I told you I'm saddened by your loss. Make sure you take care of yourself now

Bob

Dave Lebut (Lebut)

Edith Bergstrom (Usher)

Steve - so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. She sounds like she was a great partner and a wonderful person.  Take care and treasure the memories.

Sharon Dumler (Davis)

Steve, what a beautiful eulogy for your wife. How lucky you both were to have those 10,000 nights!  She lives on in the ways that she has influenced you and your whole family.  I lost my 'boyfriend'  after 52 years of marriage last fall.  I wish you strength and peace!

Thomas Tanner

Steve:

I am so sorry to hear of your loss....my thoughs and prayers are with you and your family.

Dennis Abraham

Steve, very sorry to hear about your lovely wife Jacque. By reading  her eulogy, we somehow " got to know her". Best Wishes to your families. Take care.       Dennis Abraham

Dianne May (Trevino)

Steve - My most sincere condolences. Thank you for sharing your wife with us in such a beautiful way.  I lost my daughter, Elizabeth, in 1992.  In all the years since then, we have shared her with anyone who will listen.  She is alive and with us every day because we talk about her every day.  It appears that you share our resolve to keep your lovely wife with you and with all who will listen.  I wish you comfort and joy as you and your family keep Jacque in everyones hearts.

Dianne May Moffat Trevino

Carol Strucel (Rohlinger)

Steve - what a glowing tribute to your life partner. Your love for her is evident in every word. I lost my husband - best friend almost 6 years ago and think about and talk about him daily. He was the king of puns and brought laughter and sunshine to my life. So, what do we do when the sunshine is gone? We go on, sadly, haltingly. And, replacing them is useless, senseless. Our lives can never be the same again. But we persevere none the less and find a way to bring some of that sunshine to others, perhaps by volunteering to a cause dear to her heart or yours. I send blessings for you and your family. 

Carol Strucel Rohlinger

Robert Miner

Steve,

I'm so sorry for your loss and am glad that you had that many happy years from which to store your memories.

Bob

Marilyn Rouen (Dimitroff)

Steve- You so lovingly expressed your love and appreciation for Jacque.  How blessed you both were to share such a special relationship.  For lack of finding words that soothe, just know that we care about and appreciate you.  Much love. 💕

Stephen Leuchtman

It is with extreme happiness and pride that I inform you that our classmate Marge (Kottke) Tober has afforded me the great privilege of agreeing to marry me on December 7.

Those of you who know Marge know there is no one who is sweeter, more kind, or more giving.  Our love brings me immeasurable joy.  I will be honored to be her husband.

Kenneth Becker

Congratulations Steve.