Obituary of James F. Curran

James Frances Curran, 85, died March 5, 2021, after a long illness at his home in Ewing NJ. Jim was born March 7, 1935, in Lorain Ohio to Richard and Catherine nee Cloughssey Curran. He served in the Navy as a submarine engineer. His rank and station were E-6(Petty Officer 1st class SS EMI(SS) submarine command Atlantic U.S.S Quillback, SS 424 and the U.S.S Threadfin, SS 421. In 2011 he was part of the Veterans History Project and his interview can be found in the Library of Congress. While stationed in Key West, Florida he met Ernest Hemingway. He attributed this friendship to sparking his interest in literature and furthering his education. After the navy, he graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1962 with a bachelor’s in Science and English. He married his wife Jackie (nee Jones) on May 17, 1958, and they had 2 daughters. They moved from Ohio to Pennsylvania in 1971 for employment. Jim taught Chemistry and Physics at Admiral King High School in Lorain Ohio. He started in the medical field as a technical writer and then went onto a 36-year career in medical sales, international marketing, and executive management, allowing him to travel the world. He founded an Allergy Immunology Service company that brought a blood test alternative to the allergy scratch test that is still used today. Jim retired in 2000. Work achievements include 3 publications and a patent below: PUBLICATIONS Sugerman AA, Southern DL, Curran JF. A study of antibody levels in alcoholic, depressive, and schizophrenic patients. Ann Allergy. 1982 Mar;48(3):166-71. Rizvi SS, Curran JF. Comparison of Mus musculus (rodent) antigen-specific IgE test results on sensitive asthmatics from two different laboratories. Ann Allergy. 1981 Jun;46(6):325-7. Curran JF. Comparison of methods of performing the radioallergosorbant test. Ann Allergy. 1981 Apr;46(4):231-2. PATENT Curran JF, et al. Vessel for supporting laboratory test samples, United States Patent D258,266, February 17, 1981. After retirement, Jim was hired by Notre Dame High School to provide technical support and training to the teachers and as a substitute teacher. Jim’s love and commitment to humanity kept him very busy. Up until he fell ill, he found a way to volunteer his time and expertise to others. He enjoyed working side by side with his daughter Kim as he lent his technical skills to the staff and students at Notre Dame High School. He would often visit the sisters at Notre Dame Convent for tech support. At Saint Ann School he provided free computer training to the parish staff and was instrumental to the success of the one-to-one computer initiative, the advancement of STREAM by teaching the kids and teachers to solder for small electronics, and helping to maintain the schools 3D printing. While serving as Quartermaster of VFW Post he also arranged scholarships for children of Vets to attend summer STREAM Camps In his own words, Jim had an “Insatiable curiosity about things I do not know.” He could make anyone smile with his sharp wit and caring nature. He was generous not only monetarily, but with his willingness to share his wisdom and insight. He could engage in intelligent conversations with anyone he met. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Jackie nee Jones; his daughter Christine; his parents Richard Curran and Catherine nee, Cloughessy, four sisters Geraldine Smith, Mary Ellen Lavrencic, Kathleen Rusin, and Richarda (Dickie) Fair, and brother Tom. He is survived by his daughter Kim and spouse Joe Smith, Grandchildren Corrinn, Brenton, Andrew, and Dianna, and Great Grandchildren Kelly and Valerie and numerous nieces and nephews across the country. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Naval Sea Cadets https://seacadets.networkforgood.com/?fbclid=IwAR1QQSMnNZ1kgaErwWg2GUXcqmcsJFk3fnoa3Tn5d33vx3G7t5iHfMF4Y2s VFW National Home For Children https://www.vfwnationalhome.org/donate Laptop UpCycle https://www.laptopupcycle.org/donate.html VFW Post 3022, 736 Cherry Tree Lane, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 A visitation for family and friends will be held at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors , 650 Lawrence Road Lawrenceville, NJ on March 16th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 PM in person as well as on Zoom. Jim’s Life Memorial https://youtu.be/RNaWRPtcP1w Presented by his grandchildren at 5:15 PM. If you would like to attend the viewing via zoom please send a request for a Zoom invitation to jamesfcurran85@gmail.com When requesting please provide your name and phone number. Mass of Christian Burial March 17th, 2021 Saint Ann Church, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ at 11:00 am (Mass will be Live Streamed) To honor my father's Irish heritage, please feel free to wear green. Military Honors and interment at Washington's Crossing National Cemetery Newtown. Pa at 1:00pm. As Jim requested, his friend Tom Defalco will play taps. There will be a Facebook Live Stream of the Military Honors available to family and friends.