James E. Wolford, Sr., 63, Past President on Lorain Veterans Council
James E. Wolford, Sr., age 63, of Lorain, died unexpectedly Thursday May 8, in the emergency room of Community Regional Medical Center. He was born in Majestic, Kentucky on October 9, 1944 and had been a resident of Lorain since the age of eight.
Jim was a graduate of Lorain High School.
He entered the United States Marine Corps in December of 1963 and ultimately attained the rank of Sergeant. He was the recipient of the Viet Nam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars as well as the National Defense Service Medal, and was the holder of a Marksman Rifle Badge.
He was employed as an SPC Technician for the Ford Motor Company and retired in 2003 after a career that spanned forty years with the automaker. He was a former member of United Autoworkers Local # 2000.
Mr. Wolford was extremely active in veteran’s affairs throughout Lorain County and was a member and past President of the Lorain Veterans Council and was also serving as the Commandant of the Lofton Henderson Marine Corps League. He was a regular particpant and past Parade Marshall of the annual Lorain Memorial Day Parade and was also a member of Amvets Post # 47 of Lorain, as well as VFW Post # 1662 of Amherst; Jim was also active with the Viet Nam Veterans Association.
He spent his free time enjoying the company and activities of his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of ten years Deborah (nee Zelina), son James E. Wolford, Jr. of Lorain, daughter Justine Tombaugh of Fort Wayne, Indiana, step-son Richard W. Swab of Lorain, step-daughter Sherrell J. Swab, grandchildren Adrianna Rosado, Carlos “Tony” Rosado, Jonathon Brown, Brendin Brown, James E. Wolford III, Connor Swab, Joslyn Allen, and Landin Brown, great grandson Brayden Allen, brother Billy Wolford of Gates, North Carolina, and sister Peggy Anderson of Lorain.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Irene (nee Justice) Wolford.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. A memorial service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel by members of the Lorain Veterans Council. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel with Reverend Jon Paulus, Chaplain of Parma Community General Hospital presiding. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where military honors will be conducted by representatives of the United States Marine Corps assisted by the Marine Corps League.
The family encourages memorial contributions to either the Marine Corps League or to Lake Pointe Health Center.
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