James Salathe

James M. Salathe, Sr., 82, of Greensburg died Saturday, June 7, 2014 in Juniper Village at Huntingdon Ridge, North Huntingdon. He was born March 1, 1932, in Washington, PA, a son of the late Robert G. Salathe, Sr. and Elma Louise Mcomb.

James was a standout football player at Bedford High School and Shadyside Academy before accepting an athletic scholarship to Lock Haven State College, now known as Lock Haven University. After playing football and graduating from college with a teaching degree, he taught at Chestnut Ridge High School, Bedford before moving to Greensburg and becoming a history and physical education teacher at Greensburg Middle School. He was also a former wrestling and football coach at Greensburg-Salem High School. After retiring from teaching, he was a salesman for Lane Metal Products. .

With Jesus in his heart, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg where he was an Elder, Deacon, Sunday school superintendent and youth group leader. Also, James was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a member of Kiwanis and an avid Penn State Football fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John R. Salathe. He was a loving, caring and thoughtful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Grace Patricia Owens Salathe; 2 sons, James M. Salathe, Jr. and William O. Salathe and wife Tracy, all of Greensburg: a brother, Robert G. Salathe and fiancAC. Judith of Cumberland, MD; 2 grandchildren, Brittani Salathe and James Salathe III ; a great grandson, Cooper Salathe; numerous nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, 300 South Main Street, Greensburg from 10-11 AM where a memorial service will be held at 11 AM with Pastor Martin Ankrum and Pastor Ralph Malloy officiating. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 400 Penn Center Blvd. # 524, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kepple-Graft Funeral Home, Inc., 524 North Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601.
Memorial Service
Wed. June 11, 2014
11:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg

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