MILLCREEK — James D. Ainsworth, 74, of Millcreek, died suddenly Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007, at his residence.
Born May 5, 1933, in Erie, he was the only child of the late Donald D. and Myrtle Cowley Ainsworth, and grandson of the late James C. (Doc) Ainsworth, well-known Erie athlete for whom Ainsworth field is named.
He was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School Class of 1951 and served in the U.S. Army in Germany for three years during the Korean Conflict. After his military service he attended Gannon University, earning a bachelor of science degree in accounting in 1959. He worked as a bus driver with First Student for 15 years and previous to that he worked for Talon, Zurn Industries and Parker White Metal.
He enjoyed travel, time with his family, biking on Presque Isle, swimming and playing cards.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Graves Ainsworth, in 1997.
Survivors include two daughters, Diann C. Ainsworth Cooper and her husband, Brad, of Fairview, and Deborah A. Ainsworth Zuroski and her husband, Kenneth, of Pittsburgh; and six grandchildren, Lauren M. and Megan E. Cooper, Tristan J. Zuroski, Haley A. Zuroski, Anthony J. Cooper and Ian M. Zuroski.
Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th St. (corner of 26th and Powell Avenue), Erie, today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and are invited to attend services there Monday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Scott Detisch officiating.
Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 395, Erie, Pa. 16512-0395; or the Presque Isle Partnership, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, Pa. 16505.
Condolences may be sent at www.burtonfuneralhome.com.
