James H. Gosnell Sr.

1930 - 2021

James H. Gosnell Sr. of Butler, passed away at home on Oct. 16, 2021, at the age of 91 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jim was born Aug. 10, 1930, in Lansdowne, Pa., and was the son of the late Herbert M. Gosnell and the late Margaret Elizabeth Brower Gosnell.
Jim attended Brighton High School, Rochester, N.Y., St. Lawrence University, New York and Florida State in Florida, achieving his master's degree.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1950 to 1954, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.
Jim was a teacher at the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., St. Mark's School in Southborough, Mass. and Lake Region High School in Orleans, Vt. He was a deputy sheriff for Orleans County, Vt., an EMT, a selectman for Westmore, Vt., and a deacon at the Westmore Community Church in Vermont.
Jim enjoyed woodworking, building his own home in Vermont, fly fishing, especially in Alaska, water aerobics, and the Civil War Roundtable. He greatly enjoyed maple sugaring with his best friend, Earle Randall.
After retirement, Jim and Lois traveled in their fifth-wheel trailer throughout the United States and Canada, up through Alaska. They also traveled to several countries and renewed their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary on the Yangtze River in China.
Jim was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, achieving his Eagle Scout rank with Bronze, Gold, Silver Palms, and Order of the Arrow. He was also a member of the Freemasons.
Jim is survived by his children, Patricia Reigh of Butler, and James H. Gosnell Jr. of Hermon, Maine; his grandchildren, Christopher (Samantha) Reigh of Butler, Douglas Reigh of East Butler, Jesse (Kelly) Reigh of Butler, Kristin (Matt) of Georgetown, Texas, Heather (Ryan) Gosnell of Hubbardston, Mass., and Rachael (Evan) Gosnell of Hermon, Maine; his great-grandchildren, Abigail, Austinn, Heidi and Celeste Reigh; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lois G. Gosnell in 2018; his parents; and his sister, Joan Birch.
Jim was a past member of Westmore Community Alliance Church in Westmore, Vt., and a present member of St. John's Reformed Church of Butler.
GOSNELL - As per his wishes, there will be no public visitation or services for James H. Gosnell Sr., who died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053; St. John's Reformed Church, 493 Evans City Road, Butler, 16001; or a charity of their choice.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.