James O. "Jim" Bortz

James O. “Jim” Bortz, Sandy Lake, Pa, passed away Monday (11-17-25) in Marquette Hospice House, Meadville after a brief illness. He was 85.

He was born September 16, 1940 in Mercer Cottage Hospital to Myron H. and Helen E. Hazi Bortz.

Jim was a 1958 graduate of Lakeview High School. He worked many years as a supervisor in the foundry at the Cooper-Bessemer, Grove City and then worked several years as a courier for the Mercer County State Bank. Also, along with wife Linda, owned and operated Bortz Dairy Isle at Lake Wilhelm for several years.

Jim loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a member of the Sandy Lake Sportsmen’s Club and also the Jackson Field and Stream Club. Most of all Jim was an avid gardener and loved to tinker and make things.

He married Linda J. Murray on October 20, 1962 and she survives in Bellefonte, Pa. Surviving are a daughter: Jennifer L. Bortz and her partner Bob Lynn of Bellefonte, and a son James P. Bortz, of Cody, Wyoming, and a sister Barb Heckman, Jackson Center, Pa. Also Jim leaves behind his cat “Squirt” who will miss him.

Preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard “Dick” Bortz and a nephew Patrick Heckman.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 99 Franklin Street, Stoneboro, PA 16153.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.RoseFH.com