James R. McKee
James R. McKee, 75, of Vanderbilt, Pa., passed away at 4:49 a.m. Sunday, October 1, 2017 at his residence after a lingering illness.
Jim was born on November 28, 1941 in Connellsville, Pa., son of the late William McKee and Vera (Strickler) McKee Franks, and his grandparents, Roy and Diane (McGill) Strickler, who raised him.
Jim married the former Lois Whoric on November 19, 1966.
Jim was devoted husband and retired Conductor with CSX Railroad, retiring on July 31, 2002 after working for 31 years.
Prior to retiring, he worked for Chessie and B&O railroads and years ago with Anchor Hocking Cap Division in South Connellsville, Pa.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Jim served his country aboard the USS Vulcan during the Bay of Pigs conflict.
He was a graduate of Dunbar Township High School, Class of 1959.
He was a member of the Vanderbilt United Methodist Church, a former member of the DLV Fire Department and a member of the Fayette County Fireman’s Association.
Jim enjoyed bowling with the Tri-Scott Bowling League at Yough Lanes, fishing, trains, and eagles.
Jim will be sadly missed by his wife of 50 years, Lois (Whoric) McKee; his sisters-in-law: Nancy Peebles and her husband Robert and Cynthia Rath and her husband William all of Vanderbilt; his brothers-in-law: Joseph Whoric of Arizona, James Whoric and his wife Betty of Tennessee, and Donald “Jack” Whoric of Vanderbilt; his nieces and nephew including his special nephew, Robert Peebles “his buddy”; and his special grandchildren Sabrina, Tessa, and Thomas Baker, Curtis, Cooper James, and Alaizha.
Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the RALPH E. GALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 501 Railroad Street, Dawson, (724.529.2611) www.fergusonfunerals. com
Family and Friends will be received today, October 4, from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel where Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday with Rev. Dr. Marvin Watson officiating.
Chapel Committal Service will follow in Dickerson Run Union Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be bestowed by the Connellsville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 21 Burial Detail.
Visitation was also held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The family expresses their appreciation to the Fayette EMS crews, Amedisys Hospice, Dr. Richard Tiberio, Uniontown Cancer Center nurses and aides, Dr. Dai, Dr. Gil Perez, and the staff of Galley Funeral Home for their loving care.
Memorials may be made to: Uniontown Cancer Center, 100 Woodlawn Avenue, Uniontown, PA 15401.
Love Lasts Forever!