James Franklin Rossman

Rossman, James FranklinOf Jackson, MI and Newport, Rhode Island died Sunday June 20, 2010 two months shy of his 90th birthday. Beloved husband and father. Survived by his daughter Barbara Rossman and grandson David Rossman-Robinson of Spokane, WA; son James H.and daughter in-law Pamela Rossman of Jackson, Michigan, and daughter Ann Rossman of Newport, RI. Also survived by his neices Martha Sherman of Little Compton, RI and Susan Ephraimson of Pawtucket, RI; a great neice and nephew, and a great grand nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Addalee Rossman and his sister Jane Sherman.Mr Rossman was a graduate of the University of Michigan in Aeronautical Engineering. He worked for Kaman Aircraft in the early development of helicopters for civil and naval use. Mr. Rossman was also granted a Masters Degree in Higher Education at the University and later taught engineering at Jackson Community College.A U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, he fought in the Pacific on the USS Bunker Hill CV-17 that made the first strikes on the Japanese homeland. He was a member of the USS Bunker Hill CV-17 Association and the National WWII Memorial Association.Mr. Rossman had a passion for books on many subjects. He was an avid gardener and loved all things of nature, with a special interest in trees. A collector of music, he also played the piano. He had an extensive awareness of many subjects beyond his chosen career paths and was committed to peace, justice and positive progress in human welfare.Donations in his memory may be made to an organization of your choice working on these issues or the Newport Tree Society, PO Box 863 Newport, Rhode Island