James E. Balme

James E.  Balme Jr., 82, of Homewood, Martinsburg, PA died Friday, August 3rd, 2018 at the Veteran's Administrative Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

He was born on December 19, 1935 in Abington, Pa to the late James E. and Dorothy M. (Wyant) Balme.

He is survived by his wife Jane (Mock) Balme whom he married on December 24, 1964, his daughters; Janiece S. (Balme) Hames, and Lisa R. Balme,both of Portland OR, two grandsons, Justin T. Hames, Jonathan Maclean and adopted daughter, Susan Casaceli,New Paris, many nieces and nephews as well as many adopted grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his first wife, the former Suzanne J. Carlson and his beloved sisters Kathryn E. Balme and Dorothy A. Balme.

He was a former member of the Alum Bank United Methodist Church and currently a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Holidaysburg.

Jim's military career spanned twenty-five years in the USAF, 12 years active duty and 13 years as a reservist and included a tour to Vietnam and Desert Storm.  He was also employed by the Welfare Department for the State of Texas as a social worker for their human resources office.

A past member of the Shawnee Valley Volunteer Ambulance Service and the Chestnut Ridge Lions Club, Jim was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Post 113 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Jim loved traveling with his wife Jane by his side in their RV.  He held a private pilot's license and loved music and writing.  He wrote and published two books but he always had another story being turned into short stories in his many notebooks.  While he loved writing, his true passion was his love of God, family and his country.  He was a wonderful, devoted husband and family man.  His laughter was contagious and his smile brightened each room whenever he walked in.  He was a sweet and gentle soul who loved life and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.  Fly high Jim and may God hold you in the Palm of His Hand!

Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choosing in his memory.

A Funeral Mass will be held  at St. Thomas Catholic Church at 10:00AM on Wednesday, August 8th, with Father Richard Tomkosky, celebrant.   Committal at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received Tuesday 6-8PM at Jack H. Geisel Funeral Home, Pleasantville.

Graveside military rites will be accorded by Fort Bedford Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.geisel funeral.com.