James Edward Redman

Jim Redman (1928) of Placentia, CA passed away in peace at his home last Sunday morning surrounded by family after a heroic 50+ year battle with diabetes. Originally from Perrysburg, OH, Jim served in the Air Force just after WWII and crewed the first ever jet aircraft to fly across the Atlantic. Upon graduating from Purdue as a mechanical engineer, Jim's first and only job of 40+ years was with Haynes Stellite in Kokomo, Indiana and subsequently in Sante Fe Springs, CA. During his long career he became known as "Mr. Stellite", a metallurgist who effected the successes of such world impacting technologies as the ablative metal heat shield that protected our astronauts at reentry, high temperature auto exhaust valves which opened the door for today's efficient clean car engines and "Big Bertha" as she dug the Chunnel from England to France with cutting teeth made of his special blend of alloys. Jim was always active in his sons' athletic and educational activities and served on the "Chain Gang" for El Dorado High football for many years. He was an avid bridge player, loved to travel by train or ship and to enjoy the company of his countless friends often involving a rousing game of Bridge. Jim is survived by his loving and beautiful wife of nearly 60 years, Jean Crawford Redman, his three sons, John, Jeff and Jim, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They will all deeply miss this quiet but strong and so intelligent patriarch who focused his entire life on devotion to family above all else. Services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, September 13th at The Placentia United Methodist Church, 2050 Valencia Ave. Placentia 92870 where the Redmans have been active in the parish for over twenty years. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Purdue University Center for Student Excellence and Leadership by emailing; [email protected] or to the church itself in his name. For information about the services, please contact McAulay & Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton at 714-525-4721. Click for Guestbook