James Samuel Tolbert Sr., 83, of Cranberry Township, formerly of New Sewickley Township, died Sunday at Sherwood Oaks retirement community after a long illness.

In addition to many dearly loved friends, Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth "Betty"; a son, James Samuel Jr. "Jamie" and daughter-in-law Sharon and their two sons, James Samuel III and Matthew Stewart of Meadville; a daughter Marlis Hanson and son-in-law Scott and their two daughters, Miranda Elizabeth and Rayna May of Cypress, Texas; a daughter Amy and her daughters, Alexis Grace and Alyssa Florenz of Arden Hills, Minn.; and many loved nieces and nephews. Jim also is survived by his sisters, Eleanor "Pete" Smith of Freedom and Bette Butcher of Conway; and his brother, Gary, of Beaver Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles "Chuck."

Born in his parents' home in Freedom on Feb. 7, 1926, to Fay and Ellen Stewart Tolbert, he graduated from Freedom High School in 1943. Upon high school graduation, he served in the Army during Wold War II from 1943 to 1946. He was with the 20th Army Air Force as a tail gunner in B-17 and B-29 aircraft.

He met his lifelong love, Betty, right after his return home at a dance in Rochester. They were married in 1947 and were blessed with 62 years of marriage.

After Jim and Betty married, Jim drove a taxi at night while he attended a technical college in Pittsburgh. Then he began a long career with Honeywell when the computer industry began as a computer field engineer. He received the honor of the National Award for Excellence from Honeywell during his career.

Jim and Betty made New Sewickley Township their home for 60 years until they moved to Sherwood Oaks a few years ago. Active in his community, Jim was an active member, past member and past committee leader at the Grace Lutheran Church in Rochester.

In his early years, Jim starred as halfback for a semi-pro football team, the Rochester Wildcats. He held the Noble Grand officer position while a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been listed in Marquis Who's Who in the East. For many years, he was a coordinator with the local branch of the American Cancer Society for the annual Daffodil Days fundraiser.

Jim knew how to enjoy life as he and Betty spent summer weekends at their family vacation home in Conneaut Lake throughout their marriage. During their retirement years, they spent many winters in Florida and have taken many trips traveling the world. Jim found much joy in his lifelong hobbies of hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening. Most importantly, Jim was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, had a wonderful sense of humor, was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Jim's family would like to especially thank the nurses at Sherwood Oaks skilled nursing care unit. They have not only cared for Jim physically throughout his lengthy illness, but have also helped to keep his spirits up and his heart happy. The entire staff provides true tender loving care.

<B>TOLBERT</B> — Friends of James Samuel Tolbert Sr., who died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the <B>William Murphy Funeral Home</B>, 349 Adams St., Rochester.Funeral services will be a celebration of Jim's life and will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rochester. You are encouraged to bring a memory or story to share about Jim with others to this celebration.The family encourages donations in Jim's memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams St., Rochester, PA 15074.