James A. Ferner

James A. Ferner, 82, of Vancouver, WA (formerly Battle Ground, WA), passed away on October 24, 2018. He was born on July 13, 1936 in Alliance, OH, to Pearl and Terence Ferner. Jim grew up in Alliance and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He moved to Boston, MA in 1957 for work, and there met and married Elizabeth "Betty" Matott in 1961. They stayed in the Boston area for 30 years and raised three children. Jim worked as an Electrical Engineer and Project Manager for engineering and construction firms. He specialized in power plant construction and led many large projects. In 1991 they moved to Tallahassee, FL where Jim managed the construction of the new National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University, the largest and highest-powered magnet lab in the world, a joint venture with the National Science Foundation. Jim and Betty moved to Battle Ground, WA in 2002 for retirement. Jim always loved the outdoors, spending summer vacations camping, hiking and canoeing. He particularly loved the western part of the US so it was fitting that he retired to the Northwest where two of his children lived. Jim was an avid reader, and always an active member of churches, lending his "can do" skills to many church committees. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Betty, of 54 years. He was actively involved in an Alzheimer's support group where he met Vera Colombo. Jim and Vera married in 2017 and lived in Vancouver, WA. They enjoyed traveling and many good times with family and friends. Jim is survived by his wife, Vera; two daughters, Suzanne (Tom) Cowper of Snohomish, WA and Linda (Paul) Roberge of Acton, MA; his son, James (Denise) Ferner Jr. of Battle Ground, WA; one grandson, Ryan (Bree) Cowper; three granddaughters, Jenna Cowper, Jacquelyn Roberge, Francine Roberge; and his sister, Janice Sulkes of Dallas, TX. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Congregational Church UCC, 1220 NE 68th Street, Vancouver, WA, Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the First Congregational Church UCC in Vancouver (vanucc.org) or Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

James A. Ferner

July 31, 1936 - October 24, 2018