| Donald James (Jim) Way |
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Jim Way died on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at home, just as he wished. Many thanks to the wonderful people at St. Luke’s MSTI and XL Hospice in Meridian for the excellent care they afforded to Jim.
Donald James Way was born in Rochester, PA to John Logan and Jessie Catherine Way in 1935. He had an older brother, John and older sister, Emma Jean. The family moved to Fourth Street in Beaver, PA, where Jim lived until he went away to college. There were other “Don’s” in the neighborhood and so Jim preferred to be called by his middle name, Jim. He spent fourteen years in the Beaver School District, since he repeated kindergarten and after being elected into the National Honor Society, he became a graduate of Beaver High School. Jim, many, many times related stories of how fortunate he was to grow up in Beaver in such a great neighborhood with wonderful parents and many great “pseudo parents” as neighbors. When he started college, the United States was in sore need of engineers because of the space program i.e. Sputnik, so he studied Electrical Engineering even though his interests were not in that field. He earned his degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In his junior year, he was elected Phi (President) of Zeta Psi Fraternity.
After graduation, he was commissioned into the Navy as an Ensign in the Supply Corps. He was stationed in Long Beach, CA, while serving on the USS Hanna. He completed his Navy career as a LT in USNR.
He married Nancy Neff in Beaver, PA and they lived in Long Beach, CA, where their daughter, Cathy was born. Their son, Bill was born in Mt. Holly, NJ. The family moved back to Rancho Cordova, CA. The family also lived in Walnut Creek, CA.
Jim continued his education in MBA programs at Sacramento State and San Francisco State Colleges.
Jim never did work as an Electrical Engineer. Instead he worked as a computer systems designer and programmer for Bank of America, CA, Data Design Associates, CA and NC and IVIS International, NC. Jim was Secretary and Treasurer and on the Board of Directors at DDA for many years. He became a self-taught expert at COBOL and CICS Programming. Some of the programs he authored are still in use to this day.
Jim moved back to Beaver PA, where he met his future wife, Kathy Tomasik. They were married in 1993 and they lived in Beaver until 2006, when they moved to Meridian, Idaho, to be near his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Happily, his daughter also moved to Boise, ID and he has enjoyed spending time with all of his family again.
The things Jim loved to do best included programming and reading and basketball. He also loved creating things. As a child, he saved his paper route money to buy the largest Erector Set on the market. He constructed several Heath Kit TV’s and he built a kayak in the attic of his house that was too large to take down the stairs.
Jim lived with Type I diabetes since 1972 and was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2008, although he was not a smoker. Jim was a very kind, caring gentleman who will be sorely missed by all of those who love him. We who knew him were truly blessed.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jessie Way, and his brother, John Logan Way. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, Meridian ID, son, Bill Way, his wife Laura, and children, Kelley and Logan, Boise ID, daughter, Cathy Amador, Boise ID, stepdaughter, Wendy Scarsellone, her husband, Rocco, and children, Melissa and Brian DeLuigi, Clarksville, VA, stepson, Scott Tomasik and sons, Mark and Neil, Aliquippa, PA, sister, Emma Jean Cole and her husband, Charles (Pete), State College, PA, sister-in-law, Eloise Way, Toledo, OH, nephew, Roger Way and his wife, Trish, Acton, CA,and many other nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation and service will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Accent Funeral Home, 1303 N. Main Street, Meridian, Idaho. The family requests no flowers, but suggests memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences maybe be made to the family online at www.accentfuneral.com
CondolencesSender's Name: Wendy Scarsellone
Jim will be treasured always for the wonderful loving spirit that he had. I am sure he is with GOD and smiling down on us. We are truely blessed to have had him in our lives. Love, Rocco & Wendy Scarsellone, and Melissa & Brian DeLuigi
Sender's Name: Pat & Allen Grim
Dear Kathy, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and to Jim's family. I am so glad we visited by e-mail recently, preparing me for the announcement of Jim's passing. Please lean on your friends for comfort and support and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and God Bless, Pat & Allen
Sender's Name: Schaefer ONeill
I first met Jim in 1982 at Data Design, and I had the privilege of his friendship for 3 decades. I have not met a finer person in my entire life and know that he sits with the Lord. I love you Jim, and I will miss you forever. Kathy, I admire your tenacious support of Jim's battle with cancer, your unyielding belief in Jim throughout your journey together stands as an example to us all. I will be unable to attend Jim's memorial in person, but I will be there in spirit. Love Always, Schaefer ONeill & Family
Sender's Name: Dan Allison and family
The thoughts and prayers of my family go out to all of Jim's. He was a great man and though I only knew him for a short amount of time, his devotion to his family and to his interests were an inspiration. Gramma Kathy, my heart goes out to you. With love, Dan
Sender's Name: Phil Staving
So sorry to hear about Jim. I remember all the laughs at bowling and on the golf course. Jim was a great guy and a real "gentle" man. I was proud to call him a friend.
Sender's Name: Lori Bertagna
Kathy, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and Jim's family on his passing. I always looked forward to seeing you at the office(Dr. Brock's in Beaver). I enjoyed hearing about the family and know that your move out west was a blessing. May you find peace and happiness in all the wonderful memories you made with Jim. You are in my prayers. God Bless, Lori Bertagna (Your hygienist)
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