James H, Gosnell Obituary (1930 - 2021)

James H. Gosnell, Sr. of Butler, passed away at home on October 16, 2021, at the age of 91 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim was born in Landsdowne, PA on August 10, 1930, to the late Herbert M Gosnell and the late Margaret Elizabeth Brower Gosnell. Jim attended Brighton HS, Rochester, NY; St. Lawrence University, NY; and Florida State, FL achieving his Masters Degree. He was a veteran of the USAF from 1950 to 1954, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Jim was a teacher at the Hill School, Pottstown, PA; St. Mark's School, Southboro, MA; and Lake Region HS, Orleans VT. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Orleans County, VT; an EMT; a Selectman for Westmore, VT; and a Deacon at the Westmore Community Church, VT. Jim enjoyed woodworking, building his own home in Vermont, fly fishing, especially in Alaska, water aerobics, and the Civil War Roundtable. He greatly enjoyed maple sugaring with his best friend, Earle Randall. After retirement, Jim and Lois traveled in their 5th wheel trailer throughout the US and Canada up through Alaska. They also traveled to several countries and renewed their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary on the Yangtze River in China. Jim was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, achieving his Eagle Scout rank with Bronze, Gold, Silver Palms, and Order of the Arrow. He was also a member of the Freemasons. Jim is survived by his children, Patricia Reigh, Butler, PA, and James H Gosnell, Jr. Hermon, ME; grandchildren, Christopher (Samantha) Reigh, Butler, PA, Douglas Reigh, E. Butler, PA, Jesse (Kelly) Reigh, Butler, PA, Kristin (Matt) Georgetown, TX, Heather (Ryan) Gosnell, Hubberston, MA, and Rachael (Evan) Gosnell, Hermon, ME; great grandchildren, Abigail, Austinn, Heidi, and Celeste Reigh; several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Lois G. Gosnell in 2018, his parents, and his sister, Joan Birch. Jim was a past member of Westmore Community Alliance Church, Westmore, VT, and present member of St. John's Reformed Church, Butler, PA. As per his wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Butler Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Rd, Renfrew, PA 16053; St. John's Reformed Church, 493 Evans City Rd., Butler, PA 16001; or a charity of their choice. Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001.