James Henry Trageser

James Henry Trageser died on Monday, Nov. 6. He was 87.

The third of six children of Henry and Melvina Trageser, he was born April 12, 1936, in Baltimore, Md. He showed an early aptitude for math and science, and was admitted to the prestigious Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1954. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Dayton, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1960.

While attending U.D., he met Judy Schrein at a Flyer’s basketball game at the old Fieldhouse. They were married at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Dayton in August of 1960, and celebrated their 63rd anniversary this summer.

Jim is survived by Judy and their five children: James Michael (Barbara), Theresa Hernandez (Ernie), Lia (George Humphrey), Jeff (Wendy), and Elizabeth Shulok (Thom).

He was the proud grandfather of Alex, Larissa, Christopher, Mattea, Elizabeth, Grayson, Noah, Connor, Aaron, Clara, Audrey, Lila and Aryll.

Jim is also survived by his two sisters, Barbara Brown (Hersch) and Melvina Gayo. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his two older brothers, Jerry and Jack, and his younger brother, Jerome.

While working as an engineer for Technology Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, Jim was awarded five patents related to air-speed indicators and pilot-warning systems. In 1978, he accepted a job in San Diego at InterOcean Systems, retiring as Vice President of Engineering.

Jim enjoyed sailing, competing in several small-craft regattas in Ohio. He also was active in the early personal computer revolution, building an MOS Kim-I kit computer in the 1970s, and then joining the San Diego Atari User Group. He designed and sold an add-on motherboard clock for the Atari ST, called the J-Clock.

In retirement, he volunteered with the Computer Museum of America in San Diego, as well as with the local Boy Scouts - setting up his telegraph keys for Scouts to learn Morse Code at the annual Scout Fair.

He built his own bocce court in the front yard of his San Diego home, and would host tournaments for the neighborhood.

Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin, and will be greatly missed.