James Sanner's Obituary
James K. Sanner, age 69, of Lorain, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2011, at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, following a short illness.
Born April 16, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he moved to Lorain with his family at the age of 12. He graduated from Lorain High School in 1960.
He worked as a millwright at Lorain Ford Assembly Plant. He was a member of UAW Local 425. He retired in 1997 after 35 years of service. Working 7 days a week for many of those years never stilled his creativity or entrepreneurial spirit. He was a highly skilled custom knife builder and amassed a vast collection of knives. This led him to open his first business, A-1 Blades, offering sales and service from a retail location in Lorain for several years. He was also part owner of a second retail venture, Copper Kettle Bait & Tackle in Lorain.
James had a great love and respect of the outdoors. He was an accomplished fisherman. An avid boater, he and his wife Elaine were long time members of the Beaver Creek Boat Club in Lorain. He served the club in many different offices culminating in the office of Commodore. From a converted 1960s panel van to a tent to a self contained motor home and every level of recreational vehicle in between, he enjoyed traveling the country and camping along the way. Owning, customizing and of course riding motorcycles, was also one of his passions. His current prized possession was an American made Victory Vegas. He was a member of a Victory motorcycle owners club.
He and his wife were "snow birds", and spent the last 11 winters in Lake Wales, Florida. They enjoyed annual trips to Las Vegas.
James is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elaine (nee Addis); his daughter, Christine (Rick) Adkins, of Lorain; sons, James K. Sanner II, of Lorain and John Sanner, of Louisville, KY; 8 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde T. Sanner Sr. and Ellen Sanner (nee Lyons), his brother, Clyde T. Sanner, Jr., and a sister in infancy.
Per his request, James was cremated and no services were held.
The Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst, handled the arrangements. Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.dovinreberjones.com
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