SMETHPORT - James Reese "Jim" Herzog, 93, of Smethport, passed away Wednesday (Sept. 29, 2021) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
He was born Dec. 29, 1927, at his home at 1199 West Main St., Smethport, a son of Ralph Waldo and Emogene McGowan Herzog. On June 14, 1952, in New Haven, Conn., he married Sylvia Blakeslee, who survives.
Jim graduated from Smethport High School in 1945 as class president. He attended Williamsport Tech during the summers of 1943 and 1944 to obtain his radio operators license with neighbor Bob Alderfer, whose father was the head of the school. Jim graduated from Penn State College in 1949 with a BS in mechanical engineering. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the Thespians Club, a member of Sigma Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Phi honorary societies. Jim was also a Penn State Nittany Lions football season ticket holder since the early 1960s.
Jim worked for General Electric in Erie, Syracuse, N.Y., and Bridgeport, Conn., after graduating from college. He was then drafted into the US Army where he was stationed at White Sands Proving Grounds, Las Cruces, N.M. in the "Broomsticks" on the V-2 rockets. He was discharged honorably in 1952.
He joined his father Ralph and brother Donald at the R.W. Herzog Company in Smethport, manufacturing mica insulators for vacuum tubes. Soon they transitioned into the family business of over 35 years, Smethport Specialty Company. It became a leading private manufacturer of magnetic toys and games sold throughout the USA and 5 continents. This is where Jim originated "Wooly Willy".
He was the longest living member of the United Methodist Church of Smethport, where he was a Sunday School Teacher and a Trustee. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club, Smethport Fire Department, the Smethport Country Club and the Smethport Borough Council for two terms. For 40 years he played men's Wednesday night basketball. He was also a member of the North Central Forest Landowners Association.
For many years, he sailed his Snipe #10037 as a member of The Cuba Lake Yacht Club, where he was their Commodore.
In addition to his wife, Sylvia Herzog, Jim is survived by two sons, Scott Herzog and Kent Herzog, both of Smethport; grandchildren: Ryan, Heather, Tara and Stacey; along with several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters: Phyllis Herzog Holzer and Janet Herzog Beach; one brother: Donald M. Herzog.
There will be no visitation. Services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the United Methodist Church of Smethport, 607 King St., Smethport, PA 16749, the Hamlin Memorial Library, 123 S. Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., Smethport.

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Published by The Bradford Era from Oct. 2 to Oct. 9, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Herzog

Sponsored by Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. - Smethport.

7 Entries

Cris Guenter

October 14, 2021

Gentle thoughts and fond memories are sent to Sylvia, Scott, and Kent. Jim always took time to say hello and ask how I was when I was a kid. I appreciated his good and kind nature.

Thomas Lent

October 5, 2021

Condolences to the Sylvia, Scott and Kent. What a great man Jim was. Always remember how he took time out to play sports with the neighbor hood kids. Bless you all, and so sad for your loss.

Suzanne Conkle Eiseman

October 3, 2021

Sincere condolences to the Herzog family. Wonderful Smethport and Smethport Specialty memories. May Jim Rest In Peace.

Ann Probst

October 2, 2021

It´s never easy to say goodbye... but as a believer... we can say "until we meet again!"
I can think of many other things Uncle Jim did to help in community such as working on team to turn Hamlin Lake from bushy woods to a lovely recreational area. Icing and grooming the original ice skating rink that was originally located at the Emerald Isle trailer park, long before the trailers.
Grooming a sledding and ski hill for the neighborhood kids at his farm. He and those great years will be missed. Condolences to the remaining relatives. May you be grateful every day for the good things that he brought to your life.

Fran Raszmann

October 2, 2021

I just learned today about Jim's death. I remember Jim as the neighbor up the road from where we lived on Main Street. I remember "Wooly Willy", and was always proud to tell people here in Florida that I knew the man who made that. Jim was always kind, and usually not far away was his wife Sylvia. There were always a few real good laughs whenever our mom, Polly Craver and Sylvia could be found together, and Jim always seemed to enjoy and appreciate the fun. He made a difference in Smethport and I am blessed to have had him in my life. May Sylvia, Scott, Kent and grandchildren find great comfort in the treasure of happy memories you share together from this life well lived!

Ed Anderson

October 2, 2021

So sorry to see that Jim has passed away. Another Penn Stater gone on to better things. He'll be dearly missed by those who knew and associated with him. Deepest sympathy to Sylvia and the entire family!

Ed & Barbara Anderson

Gena Bedrosian

October 1, 2021

We share your sadness at the passing of the most senior member of the Herzog family. We have many fond memories growing up as extended family in Smethport. How fortunate that Jim lived at home with an active mind to such advanced age. He greatly valued having sons and grandchildren nearby for their whole lives. He loved the out of doors and his farm
property.

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