Bier

James A. Bier Jr., 98, of Butler died Tuesday morning at his home.

Born in Rochester, Ky., Sept. 7, 1907, he was a son of James A. and Esther Daisy Iman Bier Sr.

He was a retired automobile master mechanic and had worked for years at the former Butler Battery Co. and later at the Shaffer Motor Co. He had also been a professional photographer for more than 20 years, doing industrial, commercial and family photography, and had been a member of the Pittsburgh Photography Club.

Mr. Bier was a member of Oak Hills Christian Church. He was a lifetime member of the Butler County Amateur Radio Association. He had received an achievement award for the preparation of emergency communication and for service for 40 years of service with the Navy-Marine Corps Military Affiliated Radio Systems.

He was instrumental in developing and structuring several Boy Scout troops, where he had taught Morse code and leather work and had been awarded the Order of the Arrow in recognition of his efforts. He also was an accomplished archer, and for many years, he had participated in Pennsylvania archery competitions and was the 1944 Punxsutawney Archery Club men's champion. It was through this interest that he developed the first pin sight for the re-curve bow.

Surviving are his wife, Marie E. Morris Bier, whom he married June 26, 1939, in Adrian; a son, James A. Bier III and his wife, Deborah K., of Renfrew; and three daughters, Mrs. John (Martha) Samson of Meridian, Miss., Joan Adamo of Butler and Susan Bier of Kissimmee, Fla.

He also is survived by 10 grandchildren, Scott and Steven Sampson, Chrissy and Chuck Adamo, Laura Wracker, Tierrah Byers, Melissa Bier, Angela Panei and Ashley and Braden Bier; and five great-grandchildren, Christopher, Jenna and Luke Wracker, Drew Sampson and Grant Byers.

<B>BIER </B>—<B> </B>A private memorial service will be held for the family of James A. Bier Jr., who died Tuesday, March 7, 2006. The Rev. Phillip Conyers, his church pastor, will officiate. Entombment will be at the Greenlawn Burial Estates Mausoleum, Mount Chestnut. There will be no public visitation.Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Program of the Butler Area Visiting Nurses Association, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001; or to the Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME</B>, 201 E. Cunningham St., and additional information and condolence messages can be found at www.geibelfuneralhome.com