Robert M. James, age 91, formerly of 23387 State Highway #77, Meadville, PA and for the past year and one half residing with his wife, Leora at the Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown, passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Meadville Medical Center, Meadville, PA shortly after being admitted. Born on November 23, 1920 in Niobe, New York, Robert was a son of the late Robert Morrell James and Grace Woodcock James. He married the former Leora B. Fry on October 3, 1946 and she survives.
Robert served his country during World War II with the US Air Force. Following his military service and in younger years, Robert worked in construction. His main employment was with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator from where he retired in 1982. He was a devoted husband and father to his five children.
Surviving Bob, in addition to his wife, Leora, are five children – Sandy DeRita and her husband, Joseph of Fort Wayne, IN; Phyllis Gawlinski and her husband, Larry of Venango; Duane James of Conneautville; Don James and his wife, Sandy of Cambridge Springs; and Daryl James and his wife, Sally of Meadville. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren – Darlene Blahut, Tonya Bailey, Chris Richards, Heather Brizendine, Amanda Caswell, Leanne Keppler, Bob Gawlinski, Gary James, Robbie Petruso, Shannon Parish, Derrick James, Scott Hatten, and Jennifer Wilkinson. Included also are 18 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death in addition to his parents by a half sister – Myrtle Kuhn.
Private visitation and private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75851, Topeka, KS 66675.
Dear family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I know you will miss your loved one very much. I have found much comfort from scriptures like the one in Revelation 21:3,4 which speaks of a time when death will be no more.
I always wondered why god allows suffering and death. I found the answer in the bible and would love to share it with you when you are feeling up to it! It promises a time when we will see our loved ones again and be reunited with them in good health and peaceful conditions….. The way God originally wanted this earth to be in the beginning….. I keep you in my prayers……Much love…… Shellye
My sympathy to all of you. Bob was a good man. I’ve known Lee and him for many years – going back to friday night shopping at Montgomery Wards. Later I worked with Bob at PennDot. May God bring you comfort as you go through this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Uncle Bobs passing! He was always so kind to us, and we will always remember him fondly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
To the entire family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We send our condolences. After being friends and neighbors for so long, I remember Bobs’ constant good natured character. There were no doubt many hunting stories he and my dad shared. Our thoughts go with you.
I wish I could be there. My condolences to everyone.
Goodbye Uncle Bob.
Duane,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Don and Sandy,
So sorry for your loss, we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
This gentlemen if I am not mistaken attended several musical programs I provided at Crawford County Care Center. After each program he made it a point to thank me and how much as he said to me real enjoyable . Even though I didn’t know him personally we enjoyed each others company for brief moments. Condolences to his family.
My sympathy to the family of Mr. “old man” James. He was always a delight. He always insisted on being called “old man James” when he came into the office. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don and Sandy
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you both very much.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one. You are in mine and Kim’s prayers.
We are friends with Don and Sandy, we would like to send our condolence to them and the family. Our prayers are with all the family.