James Shuster

James S. Shuster Sr., 89, of Pittsburgh passed away peacefully at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday at VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler. He is formerly of Allegheny Township.

James was born in Freeport on Oct. 21, 1922. He was the son of the late Helen (Baird) and Edgar T. Shuster Sr.

James is the widower of Ruth E. (Gariepy) Shuster who passed away in 1985.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a first lieutenant pilot during World War II. After his service to his country, Jim went to work for a number of years as a mechanical draftsman for Warnick Engineering in Butler. Jim then took a job as a mechanical engineer with PPG Industries in Creighton.

Mr. Shuster piloted 51 missions in his Consolidated B-24 Liberator over the skies of Europe during World War II. He received his Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions. In 2006, Jim was inducted into the Hall of Valor at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh.

Jim was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Freeport. He was an avid arrowhead hunter and enjoyed learning about local history. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, woodworking and traveling.

Mr. Shuster is survived by his three children, son, James S. (Pam) Shuster Jr. of Butler Township and daughters, Lee Anne (Frank) Palermo of Allegheny Township and Ruth (Fred) Hoculock of Apollo. He also is survived by his five grandsons and two great-grandsons.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Edgar T. “Gigs” Shuster Jr. and his four sisters, Helen Humphreys, Virginia Gritzan, Grace Moore and Betty Koestline. He also was preceded in death by his friend and companion, Elizabeth Glance.

<B>SHUSTER</B> — James S. Shuster Sr. passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2012. At Mr. Shuster's request there will be no public visitation.A memorial service will be at the United Presbyterian Church of Freeport, 411 High St., Freeport, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012, with the Rev. Dr. Paige L. D. Creach officiating. The burial will be at Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Presbyterian Church of Freeport, 411 High St., Freeport, PA 16229.Arrangements are entrusted to <B>Redmond Funeral Home</B>, Freeport.To send a condolence, visit www.redmondfuneralhomeinc.com.