James J. Haggerty

James J. “Jim”, Haggerty Jr., 89, Westmont, went to be with the Lord on September 9, 2018.  Born March 9, 1929 in Johnstown, son of the late James J. and Susan Haggerty.  Survived by loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn (Parkins) Haggerty, devoted children, Coleen, married to Daniel Mihalko of Oak Hill, VA; Kathleen, married to Robert Smith of Washington, PA; Patricia Haggerty of Indianapolis, IN; and James M. Haggerty, married to Evelyn (Hoover) of Johnstown.  Jim was the grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Meagan, married to Carter King of Richmond, VA; Kerry Mihalko, Oak Hill VA; Patrick Smith, Washington, PA; Justin Spack, Indianapolis; Brandon Spack, married to Kirsten Jenson, Indianapolis; Brett Spack, married to Chelsea Beecher, Indianapolis; Matthew Spack, Indianapolis; James Haggerty, Pittsburgh; Alexandra Haggerty, Nashville, TN; Kaylee Haggerty, Johnstown; and one great-grandson, Alexander Finn Spack, Indianapolis.  Also survived by brother, Lawrence, of Johnstown.  Preceded in death by sisters, Mary Biddleman and Margaret Lavely and brother, Patrick.  Jim was a charter member of St. Clement’s Catholic Church, where he was a long- time church lector and member of the funeral choir.  He belonged to Councils 467 and 10084 of the Knights of Columbus, where he was a Fourth Degree Knight.  He was a graduate of Johnstown High School, Montgomery College and the Cleveland Institute of Electronics.  He was a veteran serving in the US Air Force.  After a 38 year career, Jim retired from Penelec as the superintendent of the Electrical Equipment Department.  He was a member of the Penelec Supervisors and Ampere Clubs.  Jim enjoyed woodworking and making gifts for so many of his children and grandchildren.  Those treasures will be a constant reminder of his love for his family.  His “handyman” talents were a gift that was appreciated at home and at St. Clement’s church and school.    Jim also had a passion and joy for music, especially loving the “big band” genre, which complemented his fondness of dancing; especially the “jitterbug”, an activity he and Evelyn enjoyed on numerous occasions.  Jim was also an avid reader and enjoyed learning, golfing and bowling.  At home, he developed a passion for gardening and especially enjoyed growing flowers.  To express his love, he would bring fresh cut flowers into their home weekly.  He loved exploring and discovering the many treasures of the world, traveling by land and sea with Evelyn and their friends and groups.  He taught the love of his life how to play bridge, and Evelyn and Jim took on all comers in their bridge groups.  Jim touched the lives of all his friends and family and anyone who met him.  He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and mentor.  He will be missed by many.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org or St. Clement’s Church.  Friends will be received from 2-8 PM Thursday at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, Inc., 921 Menoher Blvd.  Funeral mass will be held at St. Clement’s Church at 10 AM on Friday, Fr. William Rosenbaum, officiating.   Interment Grandview Cemetery, where military rites will be held by VFW Post #155.  

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