James N. Johns

James N. Johns Greensburg James N. Johns, 82, of Greensburg, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in Indiana. He was born Aug. 11, 1930, in Cherry Tree, to Norman and Imogene Johns. Jim married Rita Mae Byrnes, of Barnesboro, March 15, 1952. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Bell Telephone and was a member of Telephone Pioneers. He was a veteran of the Army, having served during the Korean War. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Mae Johns, July 20, 2012. Known to many as "Horsey" Johns, Jim was an avid promoter of the American Saddlebred. He loved, raised and trained horses at the family's Lonesome Valley Farm. He enjoyed life to the fullest, inspiring others to be their best. The barn doors were always open and welcoming to horse lovers of any age, from young to young-at-heart. At the horse shows, Jimmy Johns was known for his enthusiasm, energy and spirit of competition. He was a lifetime member and devoted supporter of the Westmoreland Horsemen's Association, the Interstate Horse Show Association and the Westmoreland Fair Association. In the autumn, he saw his horse farm transform into the family's Lonesome Valley Farms Haunted Hayride and Corn Maze at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds. Jim will live on in our hearts. His children will think of him riding in the Big Horse Show in the sky. He is survived by his son, Jeff Johns and wife, Denise, of Lonesome Valley Farms, Greensburg; three daughters, Pamela, of Ligonier, Jayne, of Greensburg, and Jennifer Saccomani and husband, Thomas, of Murrysville; and four grandchildren, Jeffrey Johns Jr., Alicia Johns Mackall, Stefanie and Tiffany Saccomani. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Road, Norvelt, PA 15674. Military rites will be accorded at 11 a.m. Thursday by Armbrust Veterans Association in the funeral home, followed by his funeral service with the Rev. Dr. Dale L. Porterfield officiating. Interment to follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township.