James E. Roll

James E. Roll, 72, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, February 06, 2010 in Union Hospital at Dover.A son of the late John and Geneva (McFadden) Roll, Jim was born October 18, 1937 in Old Town Valley.Jim graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1955. That same year he married his childhood sweetheart, the former Laurel Watson. In his early teens, Jim developed an interest in automobiles by building his own cars and helping friends with repairs. In 1957, Jim used his self taught skills to start his own upholstery business which was called Tailored Trim Service. The business would grow quickly over the next few years and it became a full time business as he relocated it to the current location on East High Avenue in 1961.Jim would become well known for his expertise in the automotive industry and many of his creations were recognized in many national and international trade journals. Jim was a highly sought after upholsterer by many diverse individuals from across the nation and one of his masterpieces won “Best of Show” at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In 2007, a permanent award, The J.E. Roll Award for Best Interior, was established at the annual Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles at Canton.He was a member of Community of Christ Church at New Philadelphia, a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge 510 and a member of the Lincoln Continental Owners Club. In 2008, Jim was honored with the Quaker Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award.Surviving are his wife, Laurel (Watson) Roll of the home, three children and their spouses, Douglas and Brenda Roll of Dover, Dana Roll and Jerry Recchio of New Philadelphia and Jan and Jamie Roll of Bolivar; grandchildren, Eric and Emily Roll, Megan (Joshua) Jenkins, Rachel Pisony, Ethan Recchio and Shannon, Shaelynn and Brennen Roll; two sisters, Elaine (Bill) Wright of Ft. Myers, Florida and Janet (Bob) Archer of Ashland, Ohio; two brothers, J.F. “Fred” (Melanie) Roll of North Canton and David (Lona) Roll of New Philadelphia and a brother-in-law, Jim (Becky) Watson of New Philadelphia.Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jay Edward Roll and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Marian Watson.Friends may call on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastors Rose Lomax and Jim Watson officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Outreach International, 129 W. Lexington Avenue, Independence, MO 64050 and or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.