James R. Luke

James R. Luke, age 58, of Perry Township passed away unexpectedly at his residence on March 29. Jim was born April 18, 1953 to Robert and Ruth (Kessler) Luke. He was a 1971 graduate of Perry High School and attended Wittenberg University. Jim was a master welder and employed at General Plastex. He was a member of McKinley FOE, a lifetime member of the NRA and Canton McKinley Rifle and Pistol Club. He was a dedicated booster of all Perry High School programs especially wrestling, track, football, and speech and debate. Jim will be remembered for his deep love for his family, as a wrestling fan who wore both a Michigan wrestling hat with an Ohio State t-shirt, and for inventing the Luke Peanut Butter Knife. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Luke, in 2010, his sister, Patricia Maurer, in 2011, and his nephew, Sgt. Daniel Patron, in 2011. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Jean (White), with whom he shared 20 years of marriage; his children, Joshua (Jen Lambert) Luke, Rachel (Jared) Detter, David (Emily) Luke, Stephen Luke, and Hannah Luke; his grandchildren Luke and Justus Detter; his mother, Ruth Luke; his siblings Rosemary Gue, Thomas (Theresa) Luke, Kathy (Frank) Patron, Robin (Mike) Hupp, Mary (Mark) Phillips, Jackie (Jerry) Keane, and brother-in-law Tom Maurer, along with many nieces and nephews. A celebration and remembrance of Jim's life will be Monday, April 2, at 11 am at the Paquelet Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the funeral home. The family would appreciate donations to Perry Local Schools for a wrestling scholarship that will be established in Jim's memory or to the charity of your choice. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com.