James R. Oliver

James R. Oliver, 88, of West Lafayette, died at 12:18 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at University Place.
He returned to West Lafayette in 1997 coming from Keowee Key, S.C.
He was born March 8, 1922, in West Lafayette, to the late George and Wilma Burkhardt Oliver.
He graduated from West Lafayette High School and Purdue University in 1944 with bachelor of science in Civil Engineering. He later attended Syracuse University.
He worked for BF Goodrich in Akron, Ohio, for three years and then worked as an engineer for Factory Mutual Insurance Company in Milwaukee, Wis., Boston, Mass., and Seattle, Wash. In 1972, he joined the Willis Agency in Hollywood, Fla. as a Vice President and retired in 1987.
His first marriage was to Lucille Connor. On Oct. 28,1997, he married Ruth Shively in West Lafayette. She survives.
Mr. Oliver was a member of First United Methodist Church and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He participated in team sports in high school and enjoyed playing tennis and golf. He was a Purdue fan and enjoyed watching all team sports. He lliked animals mainly dogs.
Surviving are his children, Ronald Oliver (wife: Mary) of Park Ridge, Ill., Ann Miller (husband: Cole) of Los Angles, Calif., Gerald Oliver (wife : Belinda) of Ft Lauderdale, Fla., and John Oliver of Fair Play, S.C.; stepchildren, John Shively (wife: Patricia) of Denver, Colo., Peggy Shively of Phoenix, Ariz., Thomas Shively (wife: Brenda) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and a sister, Mary Frances Work (husband: William) of West Lafayette. Also survivng are thirteen granchildren.
Visitation will be 1 hour to a 11 a.m. memorial service on Monday at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West. The Rev. Daniel J. Berger officiating. Inurnment at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. Those wishing may contribute to the Almost Home Humane Society.