James Michael Abraham

A 1940 graduate of Athens High School, he was a member of the marching band and football team. At Ohio University, he earned his BSEE in '43, BSIE in '48, and honorary PhD 2015. In college, he played in the Sammy Kaye orchestra, later formed his own band, and helped establish OU's first radio station, which still operates. A registered professional engineer, he received the Ohio Society of Professional Engineer Distinguished Award. He owned and operated several businesses including The Athens Appliance & TV Store, selling the first televisions in Athens. Five consecutive years he was the nation's top retailer and was presented honors from former Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson. He developed a novel method of municipal financing for Ohio cities, and provided engineering/management consulting. He was the holder of numerous patents, publisher of three books and writer of columns for the Columbus Dispatch.

He enlisted and served in the 3rd Army during WWII under Gen. Patton, who presented him a battlefield commendation. His military career with the Army and National Guard spanned 40 years. He served as Asst. Adjutant Gen. of the Ohio National Guard, created a tuition grant program for National Guard soldiers, prevented deactivation of the ROTC program at OU, which has graduated tens of thousands of cadets. His many honors included the Legion of Merit, four bronze stars, three Army Commendation Medals, the Normandy Medal, the French diploma of appreciation, induction into the Ohio Veteran's Hall of Fame, graduation from the Army War College and the dedication of the Veteran’s Military Student Centre on the OU campus.

Gen. Abraham was devoted to civic service and served as service safety director for Gahanna, for whom the city hall is named. His interest in education led him to serve on the Gahanna Board of Education, and teach high school. He managed the volunteer IRS program (VITA) for many years, helping disadvantaged and elderly with tax returns, and served on countless national and local boards. He has endowed scholarships, served on several boards and supported numerous programs at both OU and St. Matthew’s school.

He is survived by his wife Irene Wright-Abraham, daughter Michele Abraham, son Daniel (Susan) Abraham; grandchildren Riley, Nicholas, Alexandra and Gabrielle Abraham; brothers Mitchell (Ellen), Raymond; sister-in law Dolores (Trantenella) Abraham; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces, nephews. He was preceded into eternal life by his first wife of 41 years, Meryl (Riley) Abraham; sister Julia (Abraham) Pate; brothers Charlie, William and Paul Abraham; nephew Edward Pate and sister-in-law Mary.

Gen. Abraham was a member of St. Matthew’s, 807 Havens Corners, Gahanna, where Mass will be officiated by Father Sill at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. Visitation will be at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST Sat. Nov. 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The General James M. Abraham and Parishioner’s Tuition Assistance Fund, 807 Havens Corners, Gahanna 43230 or Brig. Gen James M. Abraham, PE & Meryl R. Abraham Memorial Endowment Scholarship, PO Box 869, Athens 45701.