James William Horvath

James William Horvath, 80, of Bentleyville, died Saturday June 22, 2002, at 11:05 a.m. at his home. He was born Feb. 16, 1922, in West Brownsville, the son of the late James and Elizabeth Illar Horvath. Mr. Horvath was a 1940 graduate of Brownsville High School, was a former West Pike Run Township farmer for many years, and also worked for Bethlehem Mining Company's Mine 60 from where he retired. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. Mr. Horvath was a flight engineer and aerial gunner in the 828th Bomb Squadron, flying more than 50 combat missions before his discharge. His campaigns included the Southern France, Rome Arno and German campaigns and the Air Offensive of Europe. His decorations include the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Air Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters for successful bombing missions of strategic targets in Germany. Mr. Horvath was a member of the United Mine Workers of America Local 1197 and the Calvin United Presbyterian Church of Brownsville. Surviving are his wife, Janet Guth Horvath; one son, James Richard Horvath of Coal Center; one daughter, Patricia Helen Zemba and husband Lou, also of Coal Center; and four grandchildren, Theresa Miller, Lou Allen Zemba, Lisa Ann Horvath and Christine Lynn Horvath; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his parents, are his first wife, Helen Marunich Horvath, who died in 1979; and one son, Jerry William Horvath, who died in 1996. Friends will be received from 1 to 9 p.m. in the GREENLEE FUNERAL HOME, 619 Main St., Bentleyville, where funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, with the Rev. Alexander Jalso officiating. Interment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill. Full Graveside Military Rites will be accorded by the Hancock-McCune Home American Legion Post 705, Centerville.