James R. Ferris

James R. "Jim" Ferris, 86, of New Philadelphia, Ohio and Ft. Myers, Florida died Jan. 30, 2014 in Florida.


Born Dec. 3, 1927 in Dover, he was the son of the late William Earl Ferris and Melva (Ludi) Ferris Welz.

Jim was active in his community and numerous interests during his lifetime. He was a member of the Bisel United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia and was a member of the New Philadelphia American Legion, VFW, Moose, D.A.V., and the Purple Heart Association.

He graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1947 and attended Ohio University where he majored in Industrial Arts. He graduated in 1962. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years with the final two years as a corpsman with the US Marine Corps. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and a Combat "V" medal "for excellent service in the line of his profession while serving with a Marine infantry company during operations against the enemy in Korea from March 26-30, 1953." He received 19 awards for his service to his country.

Jim retired in 1983 as the used car manager at Ferris Chevrolet in New Philadelphia.

Jim spent his summers in Ohio and winters in Florida. He loved collecting and restoring 1963 Corvettes, fishing, golfing, shuffle board and playing cards. He also enjoyed staying busy in his retired years by attending dealer trades for Ferris Chevrolet.

He is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey E. Ferris of New Philadelphia and Rodney Ferris of Dover; a brother, Duane "Red" Ferris of New Philadelphia and his sister, Betty (Duane) Ferris Brown of Mount Vernon, Oho along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Cremation has taken place.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014 beginning at 1 p.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Pastor Dwight Mason officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. Friends may call at the funeral home in Saturday from 11a.m. until the time of service. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Jim may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one's church or favorite charity.