JAMES RUPERT LAUBENTHAL, age 81, of Hinckley, OH passed away on September 18, 2017. He was born in Cleveland on January 22, 1936 to Rupert and his wife Delphine (nee Wersch). He was happily married to his loving wife Mary Laubenthal (nee Marrie) for 51 years who passed away in 2010. He is survived by his five devoted children Thomas (Suzanne) of Marietta, GA, Daniel (Teri) of Medina, OH, Martin (Heidi) of Columbus, OH, James (Shirleen) of Decatur, GA, and Kerri (Paul Mollard) of New Albany, OH, ten grandchildren Dan, Caitlin, Joe, Ryan, Hannah, Emilie, Connor, Sean, Owen, Sarah, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mildred Pesano, Ruth Hopkins, and Celeste Grunwald of the Cleveland area. His siblings Harold and Jeanette both passed away this year. Jim was retired from more than 30 years of service at the NASA Glenn Research Center where he made many significant contributions. He was a tireless volunteer, champion of those in need, and an active participant in his faith.
Friends and family will be received on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st AT THE ZABOR FUNERAL HOME, 5680 PEARL RD., PARMA (BETWEEN RIDGE AND SNOW) FROM 3 -5 AND 6-8 p.m. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH for the Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, September 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Malachi’s Church, 2459 Washington Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in remembrance of Jim to the Little Brothers and Sisters of the Eucharist (Fr. Jim O’Donnell) at 3675 W. 165th St., Cleveland OH 44111. To offer condolences, please visit www.ZaborFH.com
Messages of Condolence
My deepest sympathy to you all. I worked with your dad in the late ’80s in microgravity. In fact, we shared an office for several years. He took me under his wing and taught me a lot. We also had several interesting contests between us, such as who could scare the heck out of who more times with noise, projectiles, etc.. He also took me on a tour of the bowels of the center and being from Youngstown, I was mildly concerned that my body would never be found.
He always spoke lovingly of his children and your mom. He is very high on the list of influential people in my life, and I credit a lot of the success I’ve had at NASA to him and his guidance.
I also think he was the only designer at NASA to make a drawing of flight hardware dimensioned in cubits. Many of us would be able to spend hours in a bar telling Jim stories and laughing our butts off. He was one of a kind. The world has lost another great man.
My condolences and prayers to you and your family as Jim has, as Jim would say, “Commenced to proceed” in the next chapter of his existence. (I use that phrase all the time to start my meetings)
Sending my deep feelings of sadness at Jim’s passing. He was a kind,loving man. I have so many happy memories of Jim and Mary. I moved away from Claveland almost twenty years ago but I continue to remember fondly the happy times we shared. Please accept my genuine sympathies to all the Laubenthal family. Sending love to you all. Mary Dickerson, Boulder, Colorado
Our deepest sympathy and sadness with the passing of Jim. He was a wonderful friend and a good man.
We loved having Jim visit Atlanta and always wanted to be around him. He had energy and humor that made us feel good. He had a big heart and made us feel like his family. We will really miss him, but are so glad he was a part of our lives.
Jamie:
Please know that your St. Pius wrestling family is thinking of you and your family during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I worked with Jim for a handful of years in the 1980’s at NASA Lewis. He was one of the experienced people who ‘showed me the ropes’, and not only had a can-do attitude, he really did deliver each and every time.
He also knew how to tell a story and make me laugh. He once told me the following story… obviously this was WAY before 9/11/2001:
Jim had forgotten his identification badge (with a picture ID) but was sure that security was so loose at the Center that he would be fine. He just wanted to get to his desk on time. So he drove through the main gate holding up — get ready for it — the king of spades from a deck of cards he had in his car. He was sure he got away with it until he heard sirens from three cars chasing him across the lab. Again to show what a different time it was: they merely reprimanded him verbally, and let him go to whatever building he was due to be at.
As he told me the story, he was laughing himself at the memory. Made me laugh pretty hard too. Great guy.
Sending thoughts and prayers to you all from the Atlanta Warriors family (grandson Sean’s travel baseball team). Always loved seeing Jim in the stands, and, of course, listening to stories, after the games. Will always appreciate his honesty, sense of humor, and true love for his family.
Our condolence to the Laubenthal family and friends. We mourn with you with the passing of your beloved father and our friend. He will be missed.
To Jamie, Shirleen, and the entire Laubenthal family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during “Pops” homecoming celebration. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. I have many great memories of sharing a beer with Jamie and “Pops”. I know if I have them you have tons of great memories. Lean on these great memories and smile that he is with your mom. God bless.
Perry family
May all of you find comfort in family and friends.
It was my good fortune to have Jim in my group when I was a manager at NASA. It was easy to look good at being a supervisor with talented people like Jim on the Team. He knew how to work the “system” at the lab to get things done and was like by all who knew him.
His sense of humor was outstanding, a very quick wit.
Jim had a lasting impact on my family also. He recommended I take my family to Dillon State Park where his family vacationed when the kids were young. We did so for many years, and occasionally get some family members to meet there as we did this past summer. Thanks Jim.
I pray that the presence of friends and family bring you comfort in your loss. May the memories of Jim find special warmth in your heart.
Tom & family… Peace to you on this indelible moment in your lives. As you tender a farewell to your father, may memories of joy, words of comfort, and embrace of friends carry you through any grief. Be uplifted in the assurance of how he lives in and through his children and how eternity is shared between us all. Peace brother!
I enjoyed knowing Jim and playing golf with him for many years in our NASA league. First as on opposing “rival” teams, then finally as teammates. So many good memories of golfing with Jim. He was always good for so many laughs, stories, and quips. My favorite memory of Jim was on championship day one year when we had 5 players including Jim playing for our team. After 4 were finished, the team scores was almost exactly tied. Jim was the 5th match to come in. I looked out and here comes Jim towards the clubhouse with this glowing look, care free and whistling, and pulling his golf bag behind him with the other hand in his pocket. He saw me, gave a wink, and beamed a huge smile so big I knew he won and sealed the championship for us! That smile on his face was very memorable. He will be missed by family, friends, and all who knew him from NASA. My prayers for his entire family at this time.
Kerri,
I am so very sorry you have lost your dad. I have wonderful memories of both of your parents during our high school years. I remember your dad loved joking around and laughing. He was always enjoyable to be around. I am thinking of you and your family. I pray for the strength and healing for you. Sending hugs!!
Tricia
I am sorry for your loss. Your loving words in his memorial described a personality that cared for his spiritual needs and the needs of others (Mathew 5:3,4). A fine quality that is pleasing to our God, Jehovah; who, in turn, provides a wonderful hope for James and all of mankind. (John 6:40)