James A. Swope, Sr.

James A. Swope, 78, of Norris Street, Saxton, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at The Village at Morrisons Cove, Martinsburg. 

He was born on February 17, 1941 in Lansing, Michigan.  James and his mother, Martha, and his two brothers, Bill and Leonard, moved to Saxton and made it their hometown.  James and his two brothers were raised by their Mom, Martha, and Pap, Chalmer Roland.

James’ mother passed away in 1992 at the age of 77.  His Pap passed in 1964 at the age of 76.  In 1963, his brother, Leonard, was in a car accident and passed away.

James went to school in Stonerstown up to the eight-grade then went to Saxton Liberty High School.  He was a graduate of the Class of 1959. 

He worked several years at the Shoe Factory in Martinsburg, also worked at Coopers Box Plant in Hopewell.  In 1966 he went to work for Penelec at the power plant in Saxton and also worked several years at the nuclear plant.  When the Saxton plant closed, he worked for Penelec at the Conemaugh Plant in Huff.  He retired from that plant in 1996.  He was with Penelec for 30 years.

On July 9, 1962, he married Carol (Knisely) Swope, whoipassed away on April 3, 2007.  Together they had three children, Terrie married to Ronald Wright of Saxton; James Swope, Jr. and his companion Tammy Rhodes of McConnelstown; Jerry Swope who is at a home in Saxton.  Grandchildren: Ronald Wright and wife Melissa, Tiffany Wright, Brittany Swope and Michael Swope. Two great granddaughters: London Wright and Brynleigh Wright.

James enjoyed hunting and fishing and going to basketball and football games.  He had a lovely and special friend, Karen Mitchell.  They went to dances wherever the Country Blend band was playing, enjoyed eating out and taking Bollman Bus trips to Lancaster.  James saw a lot of the Christian plays at the Sight and Sound Theater and many other shows throughout Lancaster.  His friend Karen traveled everywhere with him.  They shared a lot of memories and also enjoyed one another’s company.  Karen had a little dog, Buddy, and James and Bud were the best of “buddies”.

Jim was a hard worker and he would help anyone-no matter the job.  He was also a kind and caring man, one that you could always count on. 

James wants to say goodbye to his friends and family.  May God be with all of you.  What a joy to see his family and friends in heaven.  What a joyful reunion that will be.  He was a member of Safe Harbor Church, Saxton.

Friends and Family will be received on Monday, August 19, 2019 at the Akers Funeral Chapel, 715 Church Street, Saxton, PA from 6-8:00 P.M. and on Tuesday. August 20, 2019 from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service at the church.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Safe Harbor Church, Winterberry Lane, Saxton, PA 16678 on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 with Pastor Dean Thomas and Pastor Marion Foor officiating.  His final resting place will be at Grandview Cemetery. 

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