James C. Stone
James C. Stone, age 90, died at Hubbard Hospice House West on Monday, September 7, 2015. He was born on January 28, 1925, in Belton, TX. Mr. Stone was a 1941 graduate of Belton High School in central Texas, and after several years at Mary Hardin Baylor College, he served in the 67th Armored Infantry Battalion during World War II. He was wounded near Cologne, Germany, in April 1945 and received a Purple Heart as well as two Bronze Stars. Later, he studied chemical engineering at the University of Texas, in Austin, and much later, pursued his interest in Spanish, a field in which he received a degree from the University of Houston in the 1970s. A life-long aviation enthusiast, Mr. Stone earned his single-engine pilot's license in the 1960s.
His career included 25 years of employment with the Rohm and Haas Company in Houston and northern England, 10 years with Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) in Saudi Arabia, and 5 years at the Union Carbide Technical Center in Charleston, WV. He was an emeritus member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. In retirement, "Jim" enjoyed hiking with The Kanawha Trail Club and the Mary Ingles Club, and was active in several West Virginia political campaigns. He was an avid reader of books about World War II and science, particularly physics. He was unfailingly generous with his children and with wait-staff. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Allen Stone (Charleston), sons, Paul R. Stone (Los Angeles), Robert S. Stone (Alexandria, VA), James R. Stone (Vienna, Austria), and stepson, Kurt A. Ruzicka (Austin), as well as grandchildren, Jamal and Laila Stone, a favorite niece, Betty Breckenridge, as well as several other nieces and nephews.
According to Mr. Stone's wishes, there will be no funeral service.
Memorial donations may be made to The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, or the charity of one's choice.
Harding Funerals & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Harding Funerals & Cremations, 514 50th St. SE, Kanawha City, WV is serving Mr. Stone's family.