James A. “Jim” Southard
James A. “Jim” Southard, 93, formerly of Philipsburg and State College, died Sunday, January 16, 2022, at Garvey Manor , Hollidaysburg.
Jim was born on December 7, 1928, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Edgar Maxwell “Ted” and Julia Mary (Walk) Southard.
Jim was a 1946 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School. An avid drummer, he was a member of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corp and for many years playing in the dance band The Four Kings. Following high school, he served with the US Navy from 1948-1950. His most significant duty assignment was aboard the submarine, USS Cubera (SS-347).
Jim was employed from 1950-1963 with the Pennsylvania Railroad in Altoona in the car repairs shop. Jim was then employed for most of his working career and retired in 1990 from the Office of the Physical Plant (OPP) at Penn State, University Park Campus.
Jim was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Philipsburg; and the Knights of Columbus, Holy Family Council #8701, Morrisdale.
Jim was married on August 20, 1949, in Cumberland, Maryland, to the former Mary Louise Luzier, of Houtzdale. She preceded him in death on May 29, 2019.
He was also preceded in death by three sisters: Helen M. Johnson, Josephine A. Hrenko and M. Virginia “Ginny” Southard; and five brothers: William “Grant”, William H. “Bill”, Edgar M. “Ted”, John J., and Arden Southard.
He is survived by a daughter, Mary Ann Humm and her husband, Brian, of State College; two sons, James S. Southard, of Clearfield and Joseph Southard, of Middletown, Pa.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; a sister, Judy Reese, of Harrisburg; and numerous other extended family members.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 11 am, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 400 S. 4th. Street, Philipsburg, with Rev. Michael Pleva, celebrant.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 4 to 6 pm, at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg. The Rosary will be recited at 3:45 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
