James Frederick Saltsman (Oct. 2, 1927 - April 18, 2019) was born in Bedford, OH. and was a long-time resident of Fairview Park, OH. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marcia (nee Schlaudecker); nephews Fred (Doni) Strok, Gary (Evelyn) Strok, Gregg (Susanne) Schlaudecker and Jeff Schlaudecker and nieces Linda (Ed) Stickney and Stacey (nee Schlaudecker) Romano; and grand uncle to three nieces and six nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jenny (nee Ely) Saltsman and sister, Elizabeth (nee Saltsman) Strok. He served in the Army during the Korean War with a specialty in Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD). After the Army, and for over a third of his life, Jim was a passionate member of the NASA family. He started his career there at Plum Brook Station working with nuclear materials. In the 70s, Jim continued his work as a materials research engineer at Lewis Research Center, now Glenn Research Center. Over his 33-year NASA career, he authored or co-authored dozens of papers on the thermodynamic properties of metallic alloys in jet and rocket engines. Yes, he wore a pocket protector and in it, always kept a fork. Quick with a joke he was not, but his many punch lines were always pitch perfect. Jim was an accomplished rifle and pistol marksman and collector. A member of several gun clubs, he competed in numerous matches. Interestingly, he cast his own bullets; then Jim measured their ballistic performance, keeping careful records--always the engineer! He was a long-time member of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Fairview Park. His family and friends will miss his quick smile and gentle personality. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 20970 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, Ohio 44126. Interment and graveside service immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14609 Brookpark Rd., Brook Park, Ohio 44142.
