James S. Hoover

James S. Hoover, 79, of Butler went home to his eternal home in heaven after a courageous battle with strokes on Monday at the VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born June 5, 1938, James was the son of the late John and Mary (Wilt) Hoover.

Jim was a graduate of Rimersburg High School, Class of 1957. His high school years were spent playing football, where he played varsity for four years.

He was hired on at the Pennsylvania Railroad at the age of 18 and worked there for 43 years as a conductor until his retirement. All who worked with him over the years would say he was an exemplary employee.

He was an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Herman and loved to volunteer there. He was an usher and helped with the Lenten fish dinners, serving coffee to the workers.

Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Roman Catholic Men's Club. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsmen and enjoyed spending many hours at his camp in Sigel, Pa., with his wife, Barb. Later in retirement, he enjoyed golf.

He was an incredible caretaker of his possessions and could put a shine on everything from his shoes to his cars. He made everything look brand new.

Most of all, Jim loved his family, his church and his numerous close friends. He was blessed with spending many holidays with his family. He especially enjoyed his Easter egg hunt for his great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara Hillwig Hoover, whom he married June 6, 1959; one son, James S. Hoover Jr. (Suzanne) of Tennessee; and one daughter, Mary (John) Musko of Butler; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, John (Patty) Hoover of Florida, Gerald (Janet) Hoover of Florida and Joseph Hoover of McConnellsburg, Pa.; one sister, Julia (Alec) Miller of Florida; numerous nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Lesa Hoover.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved brother, Jeff.

HOOVER — Friends of James S. Hoover, who died Monday, March 26, 2018, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.A blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the funeral home. The Rev. George Wilt will officiate.Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Herman.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Inpatient Hospice, 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001.For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.