Obituary of James G. Box

James G. Box James G. Box, age 90, of Rome, passed away January 2, 2011, with his loving family at his side. He was born November 14, 1920, in Rome, a son of John F., DDS, and Helen Lewis Box, and graduated from Rome Free Academy and the Academy of Aeronautics, at LaGuardia Field, NY. Jim was united in marriage to the former Joan M. Ward on September 18, 1948, in Rome. He worked in construction and home building for several years in the Rome area, and later was employed as an aircraft mechanic at GAFB, and for Mohawk Airlines in 1961. In 1974, he was transferred to Pittsburgh, PA with Allegheny Airlines. He resided in Beaver Falls, PA for the next 21 years and retired from U.S. Airlines in 1989. While in Pennsylvania, he was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, U.S. Air Retirees Club, the Air Heritage, Inc., and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Jim proudly served in the Army Air Corps as a Flight Officer after graduating as a pilot from the Air Force Cadet Flight Training Program. He was a master craftsman who could build or fix anything. He was a private pilot and enjoyed his many years of flying and adventure. Jim is survived by his wife, Joan; five sons and daughters in law, James D. and Ellen Box of Albany, Timothy F. and Colleen Box of Rome, Thomas W. and Debra Box of Rome, Kirk G. and Lynn Box of Oriskany Falls, and Theodore S. and Monica Box of Wampum, PA; two sisters, Esther B. Keeney of Bellingham, WA, and Sara J. Box of Rome; 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sisters, Betty L. Wolfe and Nancy B. Golly; and a brother, John F. Box, Jr. The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 6:00 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 4 to 6 PM, prior to the funeral service. The family sincerely thanks Dr. Jeffrey Amidon and the staff at Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for their care and compassion extended to Jim during his illness. Friends may want to remember Jim with a memorial gift to the Jervis Public Library or the Air Heritage Museum, Piper Street, Chippewa Township, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.