James Emil George

Jim, as he was known, was born May 21, 1928 to James Francis and Marie (Kuhlbars) George in West New York, New Jersey. Jim grew up in Hoboken, NJ the home of his favorite crooner. Jim loved music, especially jazz. He played the bass cello in a group formed of neighborhood friends.

At the young age of 17 Jim entered the navy, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He served on three ships including the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-la. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for his service. He also served as a reservist in the National Guard during the 1950’s.

After his military service, Jim used his GI bill to get his bachelor’s degree from Rider College. He later received his master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University.

Jim had a long and distinguished career in the medical industry. He spent 25+ years at Becton Dickinson. His career started In New Jersey at the home office where he became an expert in manufacturing and plant management. He was eventually transferred to Nebraska where he was managing three manufacturing plants throughout the state. He was recognized for his ability to bring employment to the economically challenged native population by bringing a plant to the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation. His career took him around the world including an extended time in Ireland, serving as Sector Vice President. He relocated to Sandy, Utah as president of Becton Dickinson’s newly acquired Deseret Medical. He rounded out his career consulting for Compaq, CEO of Cybex, and sitting on the board of several companies in the Midwest.

Jim was an avid sportsman. In his younger years he played football and did some boxing in the navy. He enjoyed running and swimming. In his later years he was involved in triathlons, running a half triathlon at seventy-four years of age. Fishing and golf were life long passions. He was a member of Westbrook Country Club. He loved to cook and was often trying out new dishes at the regular neighborhood gatherings.

Jim met the love of his life, Dorothy Gallagher in 1948 after returning from his duties in the military. They were married in 1950 and spent sixty-two years as husband and wife. They were blessed with six children. He loved to spend time with family and friends, gatherings filled with food and laughter. He lived life to the fullest. Cherished by friends and loved by family, he will be deeply missed.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy in 2012 and his grandson Clinton in 2018. He is survived by his children, Susan (Larry) Roder, Amy (Jim) Buchanan, Nancy George, James (Janice) George, Stephen (Annika) George, and Beth (Pete) Bakros; sixteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, his sister Diana Gunzel and his dear friend Diane Henning.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 10:00 at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd Sun City, AZ 85351. A Celebration of Life will follow at The Lakes Golf Course, 19260 N. Westbrook Parkway Peoria, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity near and dear to Jim’s heart, The Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or www.alz.org/donate‎. To send condolences to the family please visit www.SunlandMemorial.com