James L. Karg

James Lee Karg, born Oct. 17, 1942, to the late Betty Hoffman Karg and late James Arthur Karg, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Dec. 27, 2018, on Smitholm Farm in Springville, Pa., with his wife by his side.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of over 51 years, Suzanne Smith Karg; daughter, Ann Marie Karg Melan and husband, Kevin Melan, Tunkhannock, Pa.; daughter, Christine Karg-Palreiro, Marietta, Ga.; daughter, Dr. Rhonda Karg, Asheville, N.C.; son, James D. Karg, Smyrna, Ga.; daughter, Mary Karg May and husband, Daniel May, Marietta, Ga.; grandchildren, Joseph Karg, Angela Szot; Jordan Bray and wife, Emily; Madison Karg, Nathan Karg, Jackson May and Olivia May; great-grandson, Parker Bray; brother, Rollin Karg, Kechi, Kan.; sister, Kitson Karg Ferrari, Deleon Springs, Fla. He also leaves several nieces, nephews and cousins and many dear friends.

He was also predeceased by his baby brother, Teddy.

As a child, Jim developed a love for nature and became a highly skilled outdoorsman. He enjoyed trapping, hunting, camping, diving, boating and, most of all, fishing! He was a talented athlete. At Hialeah High School (Hialeah, Fla.), he held state records in track and field and was a highly prized tackle for the football team. Later, he received a full scholarship to play football at Pearl River College in Poplarville, Miss., where he completed an associate degree.

He served in the Army National Guard of Florida for six years and was honorably discharged in February 1970. He was a member of the American Legion Post 154, Montrose, Pa.

Jim had a successful 30-year career with the telephone company. He started as a lineman and held a variety of managerial positions, working at Southern Bell/BellSouth in Florida and Georgia, as well as AT&T in New Jersey and New York. He retired from Southern Bell in 1991.

Shortly after "retiring," Jim built an art glass studio in Douglasville, Ga., where he and other artists created beautifully designed blown glass pieces and sculptures. He took great pride in his work, which he sold at art shows and galleries around the country.

In 2003, he and Suzanne moved from Georgia back to Suzanne's childhood farm in Springville, (Susquehanna County) Pa. They then took up residence in a modern Victorian-style house, which was constructed by local carpenters, finishers and plumbers. It is truly a beautiful spot!

Jim was a member of Elisha's Home and Ministries in Montrose, Pa., under the leadership of Pastors Robert Ford and Timothy Overmiller.

Funeral services for Jim will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. at Daniel Regan Funeral Home, 232 S. Main St., Montrose, PA 18801.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to Elisha's Home and Ministries, 11 Klimas Road, Montrose, PA 18801.