Obituary of James A. Sheely

James Arthur Sheely, 80, of Pleasantville, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2015 at the Titusville Area Hospital. Jim was born on June 19, 1934 at St. Petersburg, PA, the only child of the late Arthur E. and Hazel S. A. Burris Sheely. He was a 1952 graduate of St. Petersburg/Richland High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1962 and his Master’s degree in Secondary Math and Science in 1972, both from Clarion State College (Clarion University). He was elected to Who’s Who in American College and University. On October 20, 1953, he enlisted in the US Navy at Bainbridge, MD. He attended schools at the Navy Training Center in Norman, OK and Memphis, TN; Fawtupac at North Island, CA; Westinghouse Electronics School in Baltimore, MD; and Fawtupac at Barber’s Point, Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1957 at First Class Petty Officer and appreciated all the knowledge which he gained while serving in the Navy electronics field. After graduating from college, he married Donna Dittman on July 28, 1962 at St. Petersburg Lutheran Church and moved to Pleasantville. He was employed by the Pleasantville School District and later the Titusville School District when the districts merged in 1969. He retired in 1997 after teaching Science, Math, and Physics for 35 years. He enjoyed his teaching career and helping the students build numerous floats for homecoming and helping them with the Prom. Jim was a member of the former Pleasantville Lions Club and of the Titusville Lions Club. He was President, Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor of 14-F during his years with the Lions Club. He was President of the White Chips Investment Club for 27 years; a member and past Worshipful Master of the Titusville Lodge #754 F.&A.M. where he held many positions and offices. Jim was a member of the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder; served on the finance committee; and was head of the Memorial Fund. He enjoyed hunting and had bagged a 14 point buck, two bear, and many doe and other buck during his years of hunting until his age of 80. He also enjoyed farming, traveling, and playing the stock market. He never had a dull moment. One of the greatest joys of his life was when his son was born and his granddaughter Morgan Danielle was born. Jim is survived by his wife Donna; a son, Lane Michael Sheely and wife Cindy of Pleasantville; a granddaughter, Morgan Danielle; two step-grandchildren, Tori and Mason Quick; four sisters-in-law, Opal Schotting of Pittsburgh, Maxine Simpson of Emlenton, Shirley Smith of Van, and Mary Dittman of Salem, PA; and a brother-in-law, Walter Dittman and wife Janet of Greenwich, OH. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Gertrude Cotherman; and three brothers-in-law, Henry, Glenn and Leonard Dittman. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Further visitation will be held at the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church 155 E. State St. Pleasantville on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at which time the funeral service will be conducted with Rev. Jamie Fowler, pastor of the church, and Rev. Bonnie Stoudt of the Oil City Church of God, officiating. Officers and members of the Titusville Lodge No. 754 F.&A.M. will conduct a memorial service on Wednesday evening at 6:45 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Jerusalem Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund 155 E. State St. Pleasantville, PA 16341; to the Titusville Lodge No. 754 F.&A.M. 103 W. Walnut St. Titusville, PA 16354; or to the Titusville Lions Club.