James A. Stender, 84
James A. Stender of Barberton, Ohio, passed on June 8, 2025, just shy of his 85th
birthday. Jim went to St. Augustine Catholic School, graduated from Barberton High
School, earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of
Akron, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. Jim closed his long and
productive engineering career in service of his hometown as the Utilities Director for the
City of Barberton.
The oldest of seven brothers and sisters, Jim is survived by his wife, Sharman Hawes
Stender; daughters, Karen Stender Gondek and Sarah Stender Happ; sons-in-law, Joe
Gondek and Brian Happ; six grandchildren, Kai, Torin, Dylan, Desmond, Theodore, and
Gwendolen; and all six of his siblings, Alan, Tom, Bob, Jane, Barbara, and John, and
their families. Jim loved his family and loved Barberton. In his youth, Jim and his
parents, Myron and Arline, and siblings would spend enjoyable summer months at
Brokates Farm. As he grew to a young adult, he explored North America by motorcycle,
driving through Canada on three separate occasions. He was an activist for various
causes and loved playing euchre in Barberton and all over Ohio, once winning a
tournament with his daughter, Sarah, at Ohio State. Jim enjoyed travel and visited
Japan for work, explored New England with his wife, Sharman, and his brother, Al, and
often visited his daughter, Karen, in New York City and South Carolina. Jim was a life-
long learner and believed in supporting education, public libraries, and conservationism.
He loved good food, good drink, and the company of good people. He will be missed.
There will be a small, private ceremony for Jim this summer. In lieu of flowers and
visitations, donations and condolences can be sent to the Barberton Public Library. His
family will receive all cards sent there and will be aware of any contributions made in
honor of Jim.
Barberton Public Library
Attn: Melissa Futrell
602 W. Park Ave.
Barberton, Ohio 44203.
If you are making an honorary donation, card/letters/checks should include “In honor of
James A. Stender” in the notes. Condolences can also be posted on Jim’s obituary.
Jim and I became friends immediately after meeting, probably because the Stender and Gangle family were so close as far back as St. Augustine’s school. He loved telling stories about his family, especially Sharman and the renovations of their home. After no longer working together we would continue our friendship both living on Baird and then having lunch at Luigi’s. Jim will be missed.
Thank you for your comments, Diane. He thought very highly of you and spoke of you often.
The first time I met Jim was when he applied for the Utilities Director position when I was mayor. His intellectual capacity was astonishing which made the decision to hire him very easy! During the time we worked together his passion for the community and serving the residents was extraordinary. No matter the task at hand he always offered solutions and always had a smile! It was a pleasure working with him! RIP my friend!
Jim was one of our regular customers at Remarkable Diner. He loved my husband’s soups!! He will surely be missed by all of our staff.
Thank you for sharing, Valerie. He absolutely loved Remarkable Diner.