James Slater Obituary

James Albert Slater
July 01, 1932 – October 12, 2025
James Slater (Jim) entered this world during 1932, at Milton Center, Ohio. Son of John and Mary Slater, his father a farmer and WWI infantry veteran, his mother a factory worker. Dedication to an honest and hard day's work ran through his blood, at an early age. He and his brother Jack, and sister Jean, grew up in rural Ohio, trapping, selling honey and doing odd jobs from the beginning.
He played baseball and basketball during high school and met Patsy Ruth Mawer, on a blind date in 1949. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean War, in air communications, flying constantly as a telegraph operator (Morse Code). Family legend has it, that after the war, as they dated, Patsy's new car, fully paid for, sealed the deal. They married on August 12, 1956, in Jerry City, Ohio. Patsy was an elementary school teacher and Jim worked as a chemical operator at Brush Beryllium in Lucky, Ohio. Using the GI Bill, Jim enrolled at Bowling Green State University, working nights at the Heinz plant. Thomas was now in the family, and Stephen arrived promptly during school finals. After graduation, a bold decision was made to leave NW rural Ohio and accept a job in Cleveland with Price Waterhouse; the family moved to Berea. Jeffrey and Douglas joined the family in 1962 and 1965.
Ever the entrepreneur, Jim went on to start his own accounting firm, leveraging his Big 8 accounting experience. A particular moment in his career, which he was rightfully very proud of, was when he took on minority firms in Cleveland which did not have accounting systems in place to qualify for federal projects. He never shied from a business project with an element of risk. His involvement led Burke Electric to an enormous contract for the expansion of the Atlanta Airport. He became the "go to" guy for many up-and-coming firms in Cleveland that needed a professional boost to their accounting systems; the return was ethically, financially and professionally rewarding. As the family grew, Patsy mothered four boys and both parents remained active in civic, school and family events. Jim obtained his CPA, Institute of Constructors designation and belonged to the American Legion, Kiwanis and Rotary to name a few. He was also a teacher at Cuyahoga Community College, passing on his beloved accounting wisdom. He guided many young minds into accounting and entrepreneurialism with a confidence and dedication that led many of them to professional accomplishments exceeding their expectations.
Jim and Patsy devoted themselves to their beloved City of Berea and their family has been blessed with the addition of six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In 1981 there was a memorable celebration at the farm in Mohicanville for their 25th anniversary. In 2016, at their home in Florida, they celebrated 60 years. Patsy survives Jim and recently entered assisted care. Jim was by her side, the entire journey, joining her for dinner every evening with a devotion that was the foundation of their 69-year marriage, only parting ways by Jim's recent passing. Jim was always so very proud of his military service and was honored in Washington DC as part of the Honor Flight Program. By choice, Jim spent his final days at the Veterans Administration hospital in Sandusky. He always emphasized to his sons, how lucky and how blessed he was.
As we think back, he drove us across the country in a station wagon, camping all over the US, hiking, skiing, exploring beyond the realm of what might have ever been imagined by that young boy from Milton Center. On his last week, we took him down to the farm in Mohicanville, to see the forest, to share memories, to eat ice cream. Before he departed this life, he told us he was ready, he was blessed, he loved us all and most of all our mother.
His life ended in peace, ready with confidence, for what lies ahead..
Tom, Steve, Jeff and Doug Slater
Funeral Services will be held on Friday October 17 at 1:00 p.m. at the Baker Kensinger Funeral Home 206 Front St. Berea, Ohio where friends may call 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at the Woodvale Cemetery in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
PLEASE NO FLOWERS. The family requests that all memorials contributions be made to :https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-forestry-and-wildlife-sanctuary-in-ohio
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