OBIT: James W. Smathers, Sr. (North Buffalo Township)

James W. Smathers, Sr., 86, of North Buffalo Township, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015, in ACMH Hospital, East Franklin Township.

Born September 26, 1928, in Ford City, he was a son of the late William Clark Smathers and Mabel Elizabeth (Little) Smathers.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ford City.

James worked at Rupp’s Texaco and Eljer Plumbingware, and then retired from P.P.G. Industries.

He liked trees, fishing, camping in Tionesta, and being with his family. He also enjoyed gardening, and was famous for his rhubarb..

He is survived by three sons: James Smathers, Jr., Dennis (Tina) Smathers, and Jeffrey (Carla) Smathers, all of North Buffalo Township; four grandchildren: Denny Smathers, Jr., Jamie (Matthew) Kazmer, Chelsie Smathers, and Kari Smathers; three great-grandchildren: Jaden Smathers, and McKenna and Olivia Kazmer; and a brother, Roy Smathers of Kittanning.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (Stitt) Smathers, who died March 21, 2005; three brothers: William Keith Smathers, Ronald Edward Smathers, Reed Dalton Smathers; and three sisters: Belle Susanna Wilson, Bernice Blanche Smathers, and Shirley Joanne Piper.

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 7-9PM today -Friday, April 17, 2015 - in the Welch Funeral Home in Ford City.

Additional visitation will be held from 9-1oAM tomorrow - Saturday, April 18, 2015 - at the First Baptist Church of Ford City, before 10AM funeral services officiated by the Rev. Robert French. Interment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates.

To send an online condolence, visit www.welchfh.com.

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