AMES, John T. (1907-1999)

AMES

Posted By: Mary E Boyer (email)
Date: 2/17/2007 at 22:50:13

John T. AMES Jr. (1907 - 1999)

John T. AMES Jr., 92, died Nov. 13, 1999.

He was born to Lola and John T. AMES Sr. on Nov. 11, 1907 in Buckingham, Iowa. He was raised in Traer, Iowa, graduating from Traer High School in 1925. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1929 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

After graduation, he was hired by General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y. In 1934, he was asked by G. E. to demonstrate heating and air conditioning equipment at the “Century of Progress” World’s Fair in Chicago, Ill. He was a pioneer in the field of air conditioning, working for Natkin & Co. in Tulsa, Okla. He served in W. W. II from 1941 - 1946 as Executive Officer of Motor Transport Battalion, in the Signal Corps, achieving the rank of Major, and he was a life member of the Retired Officers Association.

After the war, Natkin & Co. transferred him to Houston. He worked in the Houston branch for 38 years as Senior Engineer in Design and Installation of HVAC systems, was past manager and past president. He was a life member of ASHRA and past president 1967-68. He was a life member of the Hesperia Lodge 340, A. F. & A. M., Traer, Iowa; 27 year member of the Houston Power Squadron, where he taught advanced piloting, receiving the Charles Chapman Award for Excellence in teaching. He was also a member of Seabrook Sailing Club, serving on the Board of Governors and past Vice-Commodore, 1975, and a 49-year member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where he served many years on the church council, past president.

He is survived by his wife LeVada, of 60 years; a daughter, Linda and husband Ranney McDONOUGH; a son, John of Austin; two granchildren and a great-grandchild; a brother J. Herbert and wife Marjorie of California.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999 at Faith Lutheran Church, Houston, with the Rev. George Aurich officiating. Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3721 Dacoma, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southeast Texas Chapter, 2211 Norfolk, Suite 825, Houston, TX 77098-4044.