OBIT: James R. BECKWITH, 2007, Tyrone, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Sharon Miller Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ JAMES R. BECKWITH James R. Beckwith, 63, of 1365 Lincoln Ave., Tyrone died Wednesday March 14, 2007 at 1:58 a.m. at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born May 6, 1943 in Altoona, a son of the late James F. and Elizabeth (Mauk) Beckwith. On September 14, 1963 in Tyrone he married Shirley J. Harpster. Surviving are his wife, a son Michael James and wife Brenda of Tyrone, a daughter Julie Ann of Tyrone, a sister Joan Reed of Tyrone and brother Jerry of Tyrone. Mr. Beckwith was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. He retired in March 2006 from Martin Oil, Bellwood as a dispatcher following five years service. He was previously employed at Westvaco, Tyrone, PPG, Tipton, and Albemarle Corp., Tyrone. He had served on Tyrone Borough Council for 20 years. Jim was a longtime fireman in Tyrone. He started his career in fire service in 1961 by joining the Citizens Fire Company No. 2 in Tyrone and in 1969 he was elected to Company Fire Chief, a position he held until 1975. He then served as Tyrone Borough Fire Chief for 28 years until he retired in 2003. Despite some health problems, Jim continued to serve his community as the Borough EMA Coordinator to the present. He enjoyed being with his grandsons. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Dennis Gable officiating. Interment will follow at Blair Memorial Park. Friends will be received at the Feller Memorial Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorial gifts may be made to the Neptune Fire Company, Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Fire Company or to the charity of the donor's choice. Tyrone Daily Herald, March 15, 2007