James Erickson, age 88, of New London, died Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Norwalk, after a recent illness. James was born April 21, 1920 in Blooming Grove, Ohio, son of the late, Harry & Lois (Harding) Erickson. He had resided in New London since 1945. James was a 1938 graduate of Iberia High School. He was an agent for the Railway Express and had worked for the former C.E. Ward Co. for 35 years as a tailor. In 1980 he was one of the founders and a part owner of the New London Regalia, where he worked until 1990. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland and a member of the former Floral Lodge 292 of New London F&AM and current Gibson Lodge 301 F&AM of Wakeman. He had served as Master in 1961 and 1986. He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo. James had served as a New London School Board Member from 1968 ' 1972 , he had served as board president. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor V. (Cronenwett) Erickson; a daughter, Sharon (Robert) Irons of Findlay; and 2 granddaughters, Heidi (Matt) Thompson and Lindsey (Brian) Hooper all of Dayton. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy in 1964. Friends may call 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London, with Masonic Services at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 20th with Pastor Jeffrey Messner of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland officiating. Burial will follow in Grove Street Cemetery, New London. Memorials may be made to the New London Public Library or Trinity Lutheran Church.