James Jacob Trexel

I first met my neighbor Jim when we moved into Carrcroft Crest the same year(1955) I was 10. I played with his daughter Barbara sometimes. My father Samuel Fuller and Jim were good friends and neighbors. The neighborhood was so young and everyone had a good time. I remember my folks and Jim and Helen taking Latin dancing and I would go next door to (babysit) for the kids at the young old age of 13. When they went to England for three years we all missed them. I guess they all returned in 1961 and moved into another neighborhood. Mom and I kept in touch after my dad passed away in 1962. Mom wrote letters and she and I visited once in San Diego and I did again with my husband. Both Helen and Jim were so nice and alot of fun. Jim had called during Christmas this year to say hello as he had the past few Christmas's. I have wonderful memories of Jim. Sandy Fuller Ludwig, Melbourne, FL

The voice of my longest living companion is now serenading the angels. I first met Jim in Sept. 1941 at the Johnstown Campus of the University of Pittsburgh as prospective Chemical Engineers. We enlisted in the Army together, suffered through basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas, took Electrical Engineering at the University of Denver, became part of the Signal Corps in Camp Crowder, MO and helped MacArthur return to the Philippines in the Pacific World War II.We engineered a thesis together and graduated from Pittsburgh in Feb. 1947. During the 1946 year we shared much and I knew Nurse Helen (Kozell) was the love of his life. I was present at their wedding in Cleveland, Ohio in 1948 and I participated in the blessing of the sacraments with Barbara, Don and Lynn over the years at Mass. We were fortunate to have worked together for over 30 years contributing to the prosperity of DuPont. Jim was the perfect employee, dedicated to making the company better. The miles separating Hockessin, DE and San Diego were only a minor impediment in retirement as we visited each other frequently over the years on holidays and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A favorite event was dining together followed by a bridge game. Both Jim and Helen were lovable travel companions, never critical, undeterred by adversity, enjoying the next stage and planning ahead.I was looking forward to phone calls with Jim, weekly at least. I will miss those. But the memories of him will be with me always as the inspiration he was during our many happy days together.

As children I remember Bob and I looking forward to Uncle Jim's visits with such excitement. I remember especially his laughter while damming up the creek to build a swimming hole. We would count the days till his arrival. Every visit with Uncle Jim was special. May his memory be eternal. Uncle Jim gives honor to his Biblical name. MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL. May he dwell in the bosom of Abraham. MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL.with much love, Roger, Carol, Jose, and Angel.

I'm not sure what to say or how to say it. Uncle Jim was always a special part of my life and then our lives when I married and had a family. We all miss him and will always keep the energy, laughter and wisdom that came with each visit or phone call. He told me once he didn't like to review old photos, but I'm posting two that speak to me about his life. One with his brothers, mother and sister. Jim is the little one, and one with him as a new recruit. I think you can see the happiness and confidence he always seemed to have in those images.

May I clarify: in my comments I used the word 'fortunate' in finding the home for Jim and Helen Trexel — I was extremely fortunate because of getting to know such a wonderful family and to be so close to them for all these years. This relationship I will always treasure. My commitments here in Las Vegas will keep me from coming to San Diego for the service, but I will be there in spirit. My heart-felt condolences to Don, Lynn and family.

All I can say is – if everyone lived their lives as Jim did this World would be close to perfect. I have known Jim and Helen for more than 25 years. I had the privilege of finding their home for them, as a realtor, where they have lived for more than 24 years and have been in touch constantly throughout the years. I would visit when I came to San Diego and, fortunately went out for Chinese food with Jim a couple of months ago. I spoke to Jim just before Christmas and ended our conversation telling him I loved him. I am so certain he is with Helen and enjoying the peace they both deserve. Don and Lynn have been blessed to have such wonderful parents.