On October 10, 2012, James R. Himes embarked on the eternal Dixie Land Jazz Band Tour from UPMCNorthwest in Seneca at 11:48 p.m.
Born June 15, 1929 in Brookville, Pa., he was the son of the late Conrad Lincoln Himes & Genivea Ariel Raybuck Himes
After graduation from Franklin High School, Mr. Himes obtained a degree in Business with a minor in accounting from Westminster College.
Article Photos
JAMES HIMES
"Jim", as everyone knew him, enlisted in the United States Navy until the end of the Korean War, serving as a Radarman 3rd Class on the USS New Jersey.
Jim received the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
Jim decided to return home and attended the University of Pittsburgh on the G.I. Bill and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Pharmacy.
Always one to look to the future, Jim was a cofounder of Glenview Apothecary in 1968 and developed such innovations as "Free Delivery" in the "Pill wagon", a brightly painted VW Beetle, Prescriptions filled in 30 minutes or less or the prescription was free, couches to sit on while waiting, and although the business locations never quite suited it, he purchased a bank teller window in 1972 for drive thru pick up. Many people also knew him from his weekly radio ads on the local stations.
Jim was married in Franklin, Pa. on Oct. 4, 1953 to Dorothy M. "Dottie" McClay and she preceded him in death on Aug.7, 2005. During their time together, they spent many wonderful years raising a family, ball room dancing, going on cruises and going on fishing trips. After Dottie's passing, Jim spent the majority of his free time with his best friend, musician Pete Pepke. Words fail me to describe how much he enjoyed listening to DixieLand Jazz, attending gigs Pete played and traveling with Pete to see other bands and musicians. Known to many as the Ford Man, Jim loved older antique cars and was always interested in the latest innovations and technologies.
He also enjoyed dancing, big band music, hunting, remodeling, and woodworking.
He was a member of the U.S. NAVY Memorial, the INGJALD Lodge, Jamestown, NY, and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. Jim was also a member of the Elks, VFW, American Legion and the Eagles Club.
He is survived by his four children: Daryl E. Himes & his wife Vickie of Seagoville, TX; James M. Himes of Oil City; Michael C. Himes & his wife Rose of Cooperstown; Linda HimesShutty of Oil City; Three grandchildren: Zachary Shutty of Oil City, John James Himes of Seagoville, TX, Theresa Himes Moreno of Coppell, TX; Two great grandchildren: Jeanett Beil and Nicholas Moreno both of Coppell, TX; and his sister: Revvie Hasbach of Locust Grove, GA.
Friends will be received today from 2:003:00 p.m.. in the Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home with Rev. James Hammerlee, former classmate of Mr. Himes presiding.
Interment will take place in New Lebanon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the VNA Foundation 491 Allegheny Blvd. Franklin, Pa.