James V. Pallotta

James V. Pallotta, 88, of Fairmont, died Tuesday night (Dec. 11, 2007) at his residence.He was born in Fairmont on Aug. 14, 1919, son of the late Domenick and Mary Delligatti Pallotta.James was the founder and past president and chairman of the board of Bond Insurance Agency, Inc., that he started in 1946. He has been an active member of the West Virginia Insurance Agents Association and had served as state president of the Independent Insurance Agents of West Virginia. He was presented the National Quality Award in recognition of outstanding service by the National Association of Life Underwriters and the Life Insurance Agency Management Association several years in a row.Mr. Pallotta was the organizer and director of Middletown National Bank, director of Mountaineer National Bank, president and director of the National Bank of Monongah, and past director and chairman of the board at CB and T Financial Corp. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church and past president of the Holy Name Society at the church. James has served as an exalted ruler for the Elks Lodge B.P.O. 294, a past deputy district grand exalted ruler, and as president of the West Virginia Elks Association. He was also past state director of the Jaycees, past director of the Greater Fairmont Development Association, past member of Fairmont Industrial Credit Corporation and steering committee. He was also was a member of Fairmont General Fund Raising Committee, FSC Citizen Advisory Committee, Knights of Columbus, the former Christopher Columbus Lodge, Fairmont Moose Lodge No. 9 and American Legion Post No. 17.He was a graduate of Fairmont Senior High in 1930 and shortly after high school James enlisted in the United States Naval Air Corps. Early during WW II James enlisted in the US Navy Aviation Cadet Training Program. He completed Naval Aviation Cadet Training at Salem College in Roanoke, Va., then received advanced training at Athens, Ga. He graduated as a naval officer and naval aviator and served honorably during the war flying multi-engine aircraft in the Pacific Theater and served and served until 1946.He was an avid golfer and was a member and organizer of Green Hills Country Club, a member of the Fairmont Field Club and Pine Lakes International in Myrtle Beach, S.C.He is survived by four children, Chris and Bobo Pallotta of Fairmont, Mark and LuAnne Pallotta of Fairmont, Jay Pallotta of Morgantown and Susan Pallotta and husband Ray Mills of Lake Floyd. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Christopher Pallotta of Fairmont, Misty Pallotta of Charleston, S.C., and Ross and Rocky Pallotta, both of Morgantown. He is also survived by his companion, Susan Zaltzman, and her children, Mario Zaltzman, Lianne Crabtree and Arron Zaltzman, and grandchildren, Kyle and Kara Crabtree. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Danser Pallotta, on Nov. 19, 1983, and three brothers, Frank, Nick and Armand Pallotta.Friends may call at the Ross Funeral Home, 801 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont, Friday from noon-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church with Fr. Robert A. Perriello as celebrant and Fr. Jude Molnar as co-celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.Elks B.P.O. No. 294 will hold a ritual service at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairmont Catholic School Development Fund, 416 Madison St., Fairmont, WV 26554, in memory of James V. Pallotta.The family would like to thank the doctors and caregivers at Wishing Well, Fairmont General Hospital and the Fairmont Clinic and a special thanks to his personal care giver Kathy Floyd and Marge Jarrett.James enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends of all ages he will be greatly missed by.Online condolences may be sent to the family at RossFuneralHome@aol.com.