JAMES V. "JIM" SIMLER

1932 - 2021

PHILIPSBURG - James V. "Jim" Simler, 89, of Philipsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 31, 2021 with his wife of 67 years, Mary Clarissa (Zimmerman) Simler, at his side.

Born Feb. 5, 1932 in Philipsburg, he was a son of the late Ernest and Stella (Molleca) Simler.

Jim spent four years in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War after graduating from the Philipsburg High School in 1951.

A life-long resident of Philipsburg, Jim enjoyed the simple things – bird watching, hunting, Philipsburg-Osceola football and wrestling, parades and marching with the Jaffa Shriners Band. More than anything though, Jim loved just being at home with his family. He instilled a strong work ethic, generosity to others, and respect. He was present in the lives of family, friends and community, as a little league coach, head usher, and over the years a member of the Free Masons, Veterans of Foreign War, Mosquito Creek Sportsman Association and Fraternal Order of Police.

In 2014, Jim received a 20-year service award for his contributions to the Trinity United Methodist Church. He retired from Penelec after having spent 35 years as a mechanic and welder at the Shawville power plant, where he made lasting friendships and earned the nickname "Oopie."

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Clarissa "Chris"; daughter, Kathy Reinhart and husband Joe Reinhart; daughter, Jamie Simler and husband Jonathan Fotos; son, Gary Simler and wife Jennifer (Hoffman) Simler; grandson, Christopher Fotos; sister-in-law, Connie Simler; sister-in-law, Edna Pearl Touster and husband Dr. Michael Touster; and brother-in-law, Thomas "Chub" Zimmerman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest "Chap" Simler and Jack Simler; sisters-in-law, Maryann Simler and Joann Zimmerman; and brother-in-law, Clyde Veasey and wife Jaye.

Friends will be received at the Dahlgren-Spewock Funeral Home, Inc., 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg, on Tuesday, Jan. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Front St., Philipsburg, on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Don Smith officiating.

Jim will be laid to rest at the Philipsburg Cemetery.

Visitors are asked that masks be worn for the viewing and funeral.

The family extends its thanks to Hospice 365 and friend Joy McCliment.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 465, Philipsburg, PA 16866; the Emily Whitehead Foundation, 441 S. Centre St., Philipsburg, PA 16866, www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org; or the Taylor Harpster T-HARP Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 1442, Clearfield, PA 16830, www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlgren-spewock.com.