James Robert Showkeir, 93, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died June 22, 2013.He was
born on July, 23,1919, in Connellsville, PA, to George and Effie Showkeir, and grew up in Garfield Heights,
Ohio.He served in the U.S. Army in WWII as a railroad engineer in Europe and North Africa.He earned a BS
degree from Bowling Green State University, a MA from Case Western Reserve University, and his EdD from
Wayne State University. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Fostoria, Ohio, where he met his
beloved wife, Jean Limbird, also a teacher. They were happily married for 52 years when she died in 2002.He
was principal of the junior and senior high schools in Bowling Green, OH, before moving to Flint, MI, where
he worked for the Mott Foundation and the University of Chicago creating adult and continuing education
programs.In 1969, the family moved to Oxford, Ohio, and Dr. Showkeir joined the Educational Leadership
Department (EDL) of the Graduate School of Education at Miami University. He made valuable contributions in
the field throughout the next 16 years, particularly in international education. His work took him to China,
the Soviet Union, Brazil, Luxembourg, and Greece. He retired from the University in 1985Among his legacies
are the Showkeir-Limbird Scholarship Fund at Berea College in Kentucky and (along with five other Emeriti
Faculty) the EDL Fellows Program at Miami.Dr. Showkeir is survived by his son, Jamie Showkeir (Maren); his
daughter, Janet Karvouniaris (Stelios); grandchildren JR Showkeir, Zackery Showkeir and Stamos Karvouniaris;
and his sister, Mary Jane Pike.A brother, Kenny Showkeir, preceded him in death.Services will be 1 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, at the Sesquicentennial Chapel at Miami University. Reception to follow at the Marcum
Center.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either of the legacy scholarship
funds.Condolences may be sent online to www.oglepaulyoungfuneralhome.comTo
send flowers click here!