Ricky E. 'Rick' James
'beloved husband, father and grandfather'
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA

Ricky E. “Rick” James, 67, of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away at home on Monday, September 29, 2014 after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Born July 30, 1947 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Elno C. and Marie M. Sherwood James. On September 1, 1967 in the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, he married Ginger S. Kellogg, who survives.

Rick was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, Class of 1965 and a 1968 graduate of Williamsport Area Community College with a degree in business and office machine repair.

After graduation from college, Rick worked for Dresser Industries in Olean. For 37 years, he was the customer service manager and IT Tech at the former Eldred Division of Ethan Allen Furniture, where he retired in 2009 due to the plant’s closure.

Rick was a very active member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church where he was the lay leader and a board member. He was also a lay speaker for the churches in the Ceres/Shinglehouse/Millport Charge. Rick also spoke at other area churches.

He was a life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department having formerly served as fire chief and had also held many other offices.

He was a board member and driver for the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, having driven for over 300 calls last year.

He was currently serving on the Shinglehouse Borough Council where he was the chairman of the Finance Committee.

Rick was a member of the Oswayo Valley Historical Society in Shinglehouse and the Bolivar Golf Club.

He loved to hunt, fish, and trap, especially with his son and grandsons. He loved to golf every day that he was able. Rick’s commitment to his community was unwavering.

Surviving besides his wife are a son, Mark L. (Dayle) James of Shinglehouse; two grandsons, Trenton R. James and Corey L. James, both of Shinglehouse; a niece, Jane M. Perkins of Shinglehouse; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by a sister, Deloris E. Evingham.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Becky L. Edwards, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

Members of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department and the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association will assemble to pay their respects at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home.

Flowers are gratefully declined and will be provided by the family. Memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, PO Box 296, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.