James W. Ericsson

July 6, 1923 - November 7, 2012

James Warren Ericsson, 89, of Sarasota and Crossville, TN passed away November 7, 2012 at the Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville.

He was born and educated in Linden, NJ.

Jim was a proud WWll veteran serving as a Technical Sgt. in the 188th Signal Battalion, 75th Division. Drafted in 1943, he went ashore at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France on June 13, 1944 ( D-Day + 7 ). He served in England, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany and was a Battle of the Bulge veteran.

Returning from the War, he went to college graduating as an electrical engineer. He was employed and retired from AT and T New York. Following retirement Jim moved to Sarasota and immersed himself as a member and volunteer for many service related organizations. Jim was a member of the Sahib Temple and served for many years as the Shrine's golf committee chairman. He was a member of the Scottish Rite and Life Member of Elks Lodge #2495 Sarasota. He was a dedicated supporter of Shriner's Hospitals and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church Sarasota.

Jim was a great golfer shooting two holes in one at Sunrise Golf Club where he also served as golf committee chairman. He played two to three times a week until he was 85.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth; step-son, David Brewer (Linda) of Crossville, his brother, Elbert (Dottie); two nephews and two nieces of the Barnegat Light area of New Jersey. Jim will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on December 6th, 2012 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4150 South Shade Ave, Sarasota. A luncheon and reception will be held at the church at noon, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Interment of his ashes will immediately follow at Sarasota National Military Cemetery with full military honors.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations in Jim's name be made to Shriners Hospital care of the Sahib Temple, 600 North Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.