James M. Stockdale Jr., 81
James M. Stockdale, Jr. (a.k.a. Jim, Papa Jim, Dawg), 81, of Punxsutawney, died June 12, 2024, at Mahoning Riverside Manor.
He was born Aug. 24, 1943, to Eleanor “Janie” (Weiss) and James Merrill Stockdale.
He graduated from Punxsutawney High School in 1961 and joined the Navy with his close buddies, Charlie Fetterman, Paul Bailey and Ed Sager, immediately after graduating from high school. Jim was proud to serve as a BT3 (E-4) on the USS Lowry (DD-770). He fondly shared Navy stories with his family for the rest of his life. His favorite story to share was about their ride home upon completion of their service. If you know, you know!
Jim was a loyal employee of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission in Ridgway for many years, showing up faithfully and making sure the crew had coffee every morning. Some of his colleagues he met there became lifelong friends. He loved to write letters to many family members and friends. His letters were creative and always full of laughs. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors and especially his camp with his close friends and nephews. He enjoyed driving around in his jeep for many years and appreciated the kind support of his neighbors. Papa Jim was truly devoted to his grandchildren and loved them dearly.
Surviving relatives include three children, son James Stockdale III, son Jonathan Stockdale and wife Jona Meehan, and Jami Stockdale and husband Dale Sauble; three grandchildren, Riyon Meehan, Jaide Stockdale and Stone Sauble; six siblings, sister Gretchen (Stockdale) Balestreire, brother Paul “Hoagy” Franklin Stockdale and wife Colleen, sister Deborah C. (Stockdale) Long, brother Jon Alan Stockdale and wife Marlene, and sister Jody (Stockdale) Dobson and husband Randy; and several nieces and nephews, Mark Stockdale, Elissa (Stockdale) Zeitler, Anita Balestreire, Robert Long, Daniel Long and Joseph Long, Jenna Dobson, Malisa (Dobson) Hill and Malory (Dobson) Mee.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister Dr. Jane Ann Stockdale; an aunt, Lillian “Peachie” (Weiss) Cook; uncle James L. Cook; brother-in-law Thomas A. Balestreire; and nephew Andrew J. Balestreire.
Friends will be received from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at McCabe Funeral Home, 114 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lisa’s Ladybugs at https://lisasladybugs.org/.