James E. Himes

James Edwin Himes, 91, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, after a short illness. Born July 12, 1933 in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Jim was the son of the late Honorable Swirles L. Himes and Hazel W. Himes. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jane Stewart MacKinlay Himes. He is survived by his five children: Helene Alexandria Bledsoe of Newtown Square, PA; James Edwin Himes, Jr. (Jennifer) of Greensboro, NC; Ashley Himes Kranich (Charles) of State College, PA; Bower Swirles Himes (Johanna) of Wellesley, MA, and MacKinlay Stewart Himes of State College, PA; his five granddaughters: Alexandra H. Kranich, Caroline E. Kranich, Katherine A. Himes, Ella P. Himes, and Grace S. Himes; and his sister, Sarah Himes Feltham, of Lancaster, PA. He was predeceased by his sister, Sydney Himes Miller, of Huntingdon, PA. Jim graduated from Huntingdon High School in 1951, earned his bachelor of science degree from Penn State University in 1957, and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Dickinson School of Law in 1960. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served from 1953-1955 in the Signal Corps for the Middle Eastern Signal Service Detachment with the Army Command and Administrative Network in Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia. Jim dedicated his career to education and the law. He taught seventh and eighth grade history in the Huntingdon School District and served as an instructor of business law at both Penn State University and Juniata College. For over 50 years as a practicing attorney, he was a tenacious advocate for his clients in both criminal and civil matters, appearing in courts throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the Superior Court and the Supreme Court. He took great pride in serving for decades as the board appointed solicitor for the Huntingdon Area School District, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11, and the Tussey Mountain School District. Jim served on the hearing committee for the disciplinary board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and was an active member of the Pennsylvania and Huntingdon County Bar Associations. He served as a member and officer of the Huntingdon Rotary Club, Easter Seals, and United Way; a member of Elks Lodge 976 and American Legion Post 24, and he was a charter member of the Huntingdon Community Center Soccer League and sponsor of the team, the "Barristers' Booters." Jim was a proud member of the Penn State University Alpha Upsilon chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and served for many years as a member and president of the Alumni Corporation Board. A devoted lover of big band music, Jim was known to have worn the needle completely through his Benny Goodman records from repeated listening. He maintained lifelong friendships with his Huntingdon childhood friends known as "The 8 Balls," a tight-knit group who remained devoted to each other for their lives. He cherished his beloved boxer dogs and his collection of Lionel trains and took great pleasure in mentoring others, reading, dancing, and being at the ocean. He was devoted to Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football, following both teams with unwavering loyalty. Known for his confidence, energy, and natural charisma, he loved being at the center of attention and was a masterful storyteller. He treasured his family and took immense pride in celebrating his children's accomplishments. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Riverview Cemetery, 245 Standing Stone Ave., Huntingdon, PA 16652. Friends and family are welcome. Memorial contributions in remembrance of James E. Himes may be made to the Huntingdon Community Center, P.O. BOX 424, Huntingdon, PA 16652 (huntcommcenter.org). To sign an online guest book and express condolences, visit www.johnbbrownfuneralhome.com.