James J. Garland

CONNEAUT LAKE, Pa. — James Jay Garland, age 80, of Conneaut Lake, Pa., died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, after a long illness.Born on Dec. 29, 1927, in South Fork, Pa., he was the son of the late James and Anna (Ryan) Garland. He married Mabel Elizabeth Choffel on Sept. 17, 1955. James was a 1945 Conneaut Lake High School graduate, a 1952 Allegheny College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a 1963 Westminster College graduate with a Master of Science in Education degree. A Veteran, Mr. Garland served in World War II. He retired on Feb. 1, 1989, after 27 years as the principal of Pymatuning Valley High School in Andover, Ohio. Previously, he was a science teacher and principal for seven years at Andover High School. He was a member of the National and Ohio Education Associations, the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, and an American Legion member.Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He really enjoyed spending time with his family. He followed all sports and especially love the Pittsburgh Steelers. He felt it was important to keep up with national and international events. He like to read, complete crosswords and crytoquotes, and he had a passion for travel.Jim will be sadly missed by his family and friends, and remembered by many as a person who cared very deeply about others and wanted the best for everyone.Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Mabel; daughters, Lisa Amiano and husband Robert of Allentown, Pa., and Stacey Green of Pennsburg, Pa.; sons, James Garland of Conneaut Lake, and Jon Garland and wife Renee of Conneaut Lake; nine grandchildren, James Garland, Ryan Green, Corey Garland, Devin Green, Rachel Amiano, Lauren Amiano, Gina Garland, Zachary Garland, and Megan Garland; brothers, Thomas and wife Betty of Roanoke, Va., and Kenneth (late wife Patricia) of Conneaut Lake; sisters, Beatrice Stiles and husband Charles of Fort Myers, Fla., Bernice Cutshall (late husband Charles) of Brownsville, Pa., Linda Denison and husband Dale of Saegertown, Pa.; sister-in-law, Doris Garland of Perry, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank and Albert.A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16th, at DICKSON FUNERAL HOME, 130 N. Second St., Conneaut Lake, Pa., followed by a veterans burial service at Southside Cemetery in Shermansville, Pa.A reception of family and friends will be held at Conneaut Lake Park Fire Hall immediately following interment.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 59 N. Crescent Dr., Meadville, Pa. 16335, or to Pymatuning Valley High School Booster Club, Andover, Ohio.