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James Tomer Paul Jr., chemical engineer

April 24, 2019

James Tomer Paul Jr., 91, of Milton passed away Friday, April 19, 2019, at his home.  He was born July 10, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pa., son of the late James Tomer and Laura (Muntz) Paul.

Mr. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after high school graduation. He served our country honorably during World War II on the USS Pasadena and continued his patriotism proudly throughout the course of his life.  Following his military service, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in chemical engineering, which led to a lifelong career with Hercules Inc. in Wilmington, culminating in retirement after 42 dedicated years.  He was a member of the American Chemical Society and holds numerous patents.  He was the Father of Carbon Fibre in the U.S., leading R&D of Hercules Carbon Fibre Lab and Manufacturing. Mr. Paul also worked on development of the V-22 Osprey tilt rotor built by Bell and Boeing. He worked on munitions casing using graphite fibers and helped develop the graphite fiber used to build many of Boeing’s aircraft.

Mr. Paul was an avid photographer, a talented woodworker, home car mechanic and all-around Mr. Fix It.  He also took pleasure in traveling and seeing new places, ensuring his children saw nearly all of the 50 states and Canadian provinces.  He especially loved Alaska and traveled there many times. Mr. Paul delighted in problem-solving and sharing his vast knowledge in many areas with others.  Above all, he cherished time spent with those he held dear.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ellen (Guhl) Paul of Milton; his children: Judy Paul-Wachter (Steven) of Exton, Pa., Diane Spurgeon (William) of Wheaton, Ill., and Rick Paul (Sharon) of Middletown; his grandchildren: Amanda Korzeniowski (Adam) and William W. Spurgeon III (Anna); and his great-granddaughter, Aspen.                                        

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m., at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.  Interment will be private.  Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mr. Paul's memory to Lutheran Church of Our Savior or Compassionate Care Hospice of Delaware. 

Please visit Mr. Paul's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

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