Dr. James E. Abood, Jr.

DR. JAMES E. ABOOD, JR age 83; beloved husband for 44 years of Jeanette (nee Najm); loving father of Rose Kemmerling (husband Craig), Rebecca Stronsick (husband Greg) and Dr. Gerard (wife Kelly); devoted grandfather of Gregory, Henry, Sophie, Gabrielle and Samuel; cherished son of the late James, Sr and Rose Abood; dearest brother of Berenice Joseph (husband Gordon, deceased), Alvera Antoon (husband George) and Roger (wife Kathy); dear brother-in-law, uncle and great-uncle of many. Jim was a U.S. Army Veteran.

Jim was a resident of University Heights since 1975 after moving there from Cleveland Heights. A graduate of Cathedral-Latin High School, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree from John Carroll University and then a Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry. He was in private practice for more than 40 years. Jim was a US Army Veteran who was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was a member of St. Maron’s Catholic Church and published its parish directory for the parish’s silver jubilee celebration. Jim was a Founding Member for both St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. He served as Vice President and Secretary of the Aitaneet Brotherhood Association and played an instrumental role in publishing the ABA’s first directory in North and South Americas. Jim is a former member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association and Cleveland Dental Society; former faculty member of Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry for 15 years; and former officer and member of the Certified Advanced Medical Aide (Cuyahoga County). He served as Second Vice President of the Lions Club and Past President of the Cleveland Heights Permanent Study Club. Jim was also responsible for tracing the Abood lineage and creating the first iteration of the Abood family tree.

In his free time, Jim loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles and gardening. He is fondly remembered by family and friends as a selfless, kind, brilliant, gentle and considerate gentleman who had a big heart and was loved by all who met him. He was a role model to many. His family was always a priority and he was devoted to his faith in God.

Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Aitaneet Brotherhood Foundation, P.O. Box 93234, Cleveland, Ohio 44101 or to St Maron Church, 1245 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St Maron Catholic Church, 1245 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. The family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jim at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) on SUNDAY FROM 3:00 TO 8:00 PM. Prayers of Incense at 6:30 PM.