E. James Szabo, 86, of Bluffton, died 8:40 a.m., Dec. 4, 2010 at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. He was born April 15, 1924, in Elyria to James E. and Irma Kokai Szabo. On Sept. 24, 1949, he married Jean Ann Steinman and she survives.

Mr. Szabo retired from Pella Window and Door in 1994 and managed Steinman Lumber Company in Bluffton. A graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College, he was a violinist in the Lima Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years where he had been concertmaster, played in the Simon String Quartet and was a member of the music faculty at Bluffton College.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion, Lions Club and Jaycees, all of Bluffton. He served on the Bluffton School Board and in the Navy during WWII in the Sea Bees.

Survivors also include three sons, Jeffrey (Kathie) Szabo of Ossining, N.Y., Jeremy (Julia) Szabo of Bluffton, Jon (Kathryn "Katie") Szabo of Columbus, five grandchildren, Thomas Finger, Christina Finger, Jacob Szabo, Maggie Szabo, Stephen "Jack" Szabo, a great grandson, Jarek Finger and a sister, Ann Isenbergh of Tampa, Fla.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Szabo, and a sister, Eleanor Shaffer. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church, Bluffton. Rev. Ryan Grace will officiate.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton First United Methodist Church or the Lima Symphony Orchestra.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton.