Obituary of James R. Amlung

STOW - James Richard Amlung (88), a lifelong Stow resident, passed away after a brief illness at Barberton Hospital early Sunday morning, April 23rd, 2017.

The son of Sarah (Hibbard) and Arthur Frank Amlung, he was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert, and loving wife, Jacquelyn, and survived by his children, Joyce Amlung, Denise Japps, and Richard Amlung, all of Stow.  He also leaves behind grandsons, David and Tim Japps of Georgia.

James was an active citizen, serving in the Marine Corps Reserve during the Korean War. Despite requesting assignment to a combat unit three times, he was kept in the U.S., being a sole surviving son. His brother Robert was killed in action during the Second World War. James served in several unique posts including being the Personal Party Cook for General Clifton B. Cates. Proud of his service, he remained active in the Marine Corps League and the American Legion, in which he held the office of Post Commander for many years. He was publicly known as the Master of Ceremonies for the City of Stow Memorial Day Service for over fifty years.

James was always a protector.  In the 1960s and ‘70s, he was instrumental in forming and leading the Ohio State Rangers, an auxiliary group of the Ohio Highway Patrol. In the 1980s and ‘90s, he patrolled the streets of Stow as a Reserve Police Officer, becoming the first Reserve to retire from the unit and be invested with a retirement badge. He continued his association with his police comrades as Chaplain of the Stow Fraternal Order of Police Associates Lodge #66 until his death.

A third-generation Freemason, he was active in all aspects of the fraternity. James was Worshipful Master of Hudson Lodge #510 F. & A. M. in 1973 and 1993. He presided over the Valley of Akron Scottish Rite as Most Wise Master and guarded the door as Tyler for many years. After years of participating in every degree, he was honored with the Meritorious Service Award and eventually, the 33rd Degree. He was especially proud that his father and son were also Meritorious Service Awardees, showing a family dedication to the Rite.

James also was an active participant in the York Rite late in life. He became an ardent supporter of the Grand Council Benevolent Fund, which benefits diabetic children in Ohio. As Grand Chaplain of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio, he accompanied his son to innumerable events throughout Ohio and neighboring states. His memberships included Cuyahoga Falls Chapter, Council and Commandery, Shannon Council of Knight Masons and Melvin Jeffries Council A.M.D.

James was a proud Shriner, leading the Stagecraft Unit at Tadmor Shrine first as unit President and later as Stage Director. He held several offices in the Cleveland Forest Tall Cedars of Lebanon.  In the last few years, he enjoyed his time with Western Reserve High Twelve, rarely missing a meeting.

An enthusiastic supporter of youth, Jim was involved early in his life with the Grange movement and the Order of DeMolay. He remained involved with DeMolay after reaching majority age by leading as an Advisor, for which he received the Active Legion of Honor. His support of youth extended beyond service to the youth groups and was an active fundraiser for Jerry’s Kids and St. Jude’s Hospital.

A Final Salute to James will be held at the Acker-Moore Memorial Post, 3733 Fishcreek Road, Stow on Friday, April 28th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM by the Chesty Puller Detachment of the Marine Corps League and the American Legion. Calling hours will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Redmon Funeral Home with a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 PM.