James Theodore Van Meter

James Theodore Van Meter, 81, of Cumberland, MD went home to be with Lord on November 1, 2025. He was born April 13, 1944, in Cumberland. He was the son of the late, Cranston and Georgia (Bohrer) Van Meter. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, David Van Meter and Linda, and Dale Van Meter; brother-in-law, Vernon Wharton; and great-granddaughter, Sydney Ann Stone.
He graduated from Allegany High School in 1962 and attended Allegany Community College.
He worked at Celanese Corporation for 20 years and O'Sullivan Corporation for 17 years. He had a heart for selfless service and worked as a volunteer at the Cumberland Veteran Affairs Clinic as the Transportation Coordinator for 15+ years.
He loved God and was a lifelong member of Living Stone Church of the Brethren. He served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School for many years impacting many lives.
He had a passion for sports. As an adult he was active in softball and bowling. He was the church basketball coach for the Y.M.C.A Sunday School League and the girl's Salvation Army basketball team. He spent many years coaching in the Queen City Lightweight Football League.
He loved his family and enjoyed the moments that he had with them. He was an avid hunter and relished that time with his siblings and son-in-laws. He was also a Fort Hill Band Parent working tirelessly in the Pizza Booth for over 30 years. He always said, "It only took me four years to get through Allegany and more than 30 to get through Fort Hill".
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Grace Ann (Gordon) Van Meter. His two daughters, Dawn Lynn Van Meter Leasure and Rob, and Kelly Ann Van Meter Kidwell and Darren. He has six grandchildren: Heather Leasure and Anthony Costello, Sam Leasure and Vicky, Rachel Christie, Kevin Kidwell, Daniel Leasure and Hannah Landis, and Sarah Kidwell Stone and Dave; six great-grandchildren: Aden, Lucas, and Emmalynn Christie; and Nathanial, Dyson, and Winry Leasure. He is also survived by brothers, Robert Van Meter and Cindy, Ronald Van Meter and Bonnie; sisters, Jean Van Meter, Sheila Van Meter Cuppett and Tom; sister-in-law Jean (Toots) Van Meter; and his large extended family including many nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held Monday, November 3rd from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. 108 Virginia Ave, Cumberland.
A funeral service will be Tuesday, November 4th beginning at 11:00 a.m., with visitation 1 hour prior to service, at Living Stone Church of the Brethren, 114 North Cedar Street, Cumberland with Pastor Tim Monn officiating.
Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.