James R. Brock, age 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at his Punta Gorda residence.

Jim was born in Portsmouth, OH on August 5, 1933.  He graduated from Chillicothe High School, attended Ohio State University and earned a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kent State University.  His subsequent employment began in industrial sales.  Early in his career he founded Genecon, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial machinery based in New Jersey.

He often traveled to Michigan by car, as many of his automotive customers were in the Detroit area.  When the U.S. interstate system lowered their speed limit to 55 mph, Jim bought an airplane to avoid that aggravation, when he did not yet know how to fly.  He quickly learned.

He loved flying, and was an extremely safe pilot, often referring to himself as “a devout coward”.  He owned various aircraft over the years and even purchased a kit to build one, but ultimately decided he didn’t want to fly anything he had assembled.  When asked about trying sky diving or flying in a helicopter, he would quickly ask, “Why would anyone jump out of a perfectly good airplane or fly in something without wings?”

Jim moved his company, and eventually his son and daughter, to Michigan.  Genecon became Samsomatic, Ltd., which he sold in 1998 and retired.  His industrial career was highlighted with the award of a number of patents for the invention of new and innovative industrial machinery.

In addition to flying, Jim loved golf.  He played well into his 88^th year, scoring under his age with astonishing frequency.  He also loved music, reading, food and art.  He was a smart, kind and gentle man.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia Blake, his daughters Susan Brock Faistenhammer (Mark), Aimee Ryan (Kevin) and Marni Blake (Mike), daughter-in-law Karen Brock, grandsons Wesley, Max, John and James, granddaughters Kaitlin and Shannon, sister Kay Belleau (Bob), Brother-in-law Reverend Captain Ted Hanawalt (Betty), former wife (mother of his children) Marcia, plus many nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents Donald & Ida (Crabtree) Brock, brother Jerry Brock and son James Reynolds Brock.

On Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. Jim’s ashes will be buried near his son, Jim, in the Saint James Episcopal Church memorial garden, Grosse Ile, MI.  A celebration of life gathering will follow at a local venue for all who wish to attend.

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be expressed by donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (see Donate Now) or Plant a Memorial Tree at www.plantmemorialtree.com/ .

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Punta Gorda Chapel.