Obituary: James E. Vath

James E. Vath, age 82, of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at Briarcliff Health Care of Oak Ridge.

James was born March 19, 1932, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Clifford and Anna Vath.

He received a chemical engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati. In 1970, James and his family moved to Oak Ridge to A.E.C.U.P. (as a representative from Fernald, Ohio)—a combined operation effort. He was employed with Y-12 until his retirement in 2002, and after his retirement, he worked as a consultant for Hazelwood.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church and loved attending the Fellowship Sunday School Class. James also belonged to the Boy Scouts of America, achieving his Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, and Wood Badger awards. Cub pack leader master in Cincinnati and Oak Ridge at Glenwood School and Scout Master of Troop 328, and other interests included The Institute of Nuclear Materials Management, The Oak Ridge Power Squadron, having served as a commander, a past master of the Concord Yacht Club, and he volunteered for 20 years with the Oak Ridge High School Masquers Club, making costumes with his wife.

Mr. Vath is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Vath of Oak Ridge; son David Todd Vath and his wife Rebecca L. Vath of Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren Madeleine E. Vath and Keegan David Matthew Vath; and his church family.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, August 30, at First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge with Jenny Caughman officiating. Following the service James will be interred in the Memorial Gardens at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Costal Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1025 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston, S.C. 29407-3441 for Troop 63.