James "Jim" V. Gauchel, 72, of Hermitage, passed away Friday, November 23, 2018, in Sharon Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Gauchel was born March 24, 1946, in Racine, Wiss., a son of the late Vincent and Laverne (Carpenter) Gauchel. He was a 1964 graduate of St. Catherine's High School, Racine. Jim received his bachelor's as well as his master degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He matriculated at the University of Washington in St. Louis, Miss., where he earned his PhD in chemical engineering.

Jim was a well known engineer and held several patents in composite materials. Early in his career he worked with the US Navy to develop a wrap to protect satellites in space. Throughout his career, Jim worked on several government projects. He was also employed by Cornings Inc., Cornings, NY; Pella Windows and Doors, Pella, IA; and Werner Co., Greenville, PA. Most recently, he was employed as an independent consultant all over the world.

Jim was a faithful member at the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

He is survived by his wife, the former Catherine Ewens, whom he married September 9, 1967; two daughters, Steph Gauchel and her spouse Jess Glasser, of Medford, MA; and Susan Wilson; a son, Patrick James Gauchel, of Newark, OH; a son-in-law, Duane Wilson, of Hermitage; four grandchildren, Aurora, Faith, Morgan and Skylar Wilson; a sister, Mary Harter, Decatur, IL; a brother, Joseph Gauchel and his spouse Alan Tolentino, Alexandria, VA; and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.