James L. Maple, 87, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Nov. 24, 2010. Born on Sept. 24, 1923 near Royal Oak, Mich., to Paul and Antoinette Maple, he had three brothers and one sister. Mr. Maple studied music at Muskegon College and served in the U.S. Air Force, 1943-44, then continuing his service in the Air Reserves until 1955.
In 1948, he married Marion R. Bohrnsted. Mr. Maple earned a bachelor’s degree as a chemistry major from Northwestern University in 1956. For the majority of his career, he worked as chief paint chemist for U.S. Steel.
In retirement, he was an active member of the West Suburban Lapidary Club. For almost 50 years, the Maples lived on Ridgeland Avenue in Oak Park until they moved to Holley Court in 2009.
James Maple is survived by his children, Marilyn R. Jones, Janice M. (Stephen) Bobb, Dr. Philip J. (Cindy) Maple, Kathryn M. (Stephen) Whitten, and John L. Maple; his five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his sister, Penny (Karl) Selander. He was preceded in death by Marion, his wife of 62 years, and by his daughter, Claire J. Schroeder.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the steeple restoration fund at United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield, Oak Park IL 60302. Arrangements were handled by Peterson-Bassi Chapels.
