PORT ALLEGANY, PA— James R. Petzold 90, of Port Allegany, passed away peacefully on Monday (Oct. 30, 2023) while visiting his family in Tioga Center, NY. He was surrounded by his loving family.

      Born November 8, 1932, in Johnsonburg, PA, he was the son of Emil John Petzold and Anna Marie Johnson Petzold. He was the youngest of four siblings. He graduated from Johnsonburg High School, class of 1950. In 1956 he graduated from Clarion State Teachers College. In 1964 he completed his Masters of Education degree at Penn State University.

     While living in Johnsonburg, before college, he worked at the co-op Nelson’s Grocery Store, B & O Railroad and William Pontiac. After college he served on active duty with the U.S. Navy from 1956-1959. After service in the U.S. Navy, he accepted a position with the Port Allegany School District and taught Physics and Mathematics. He retired in 1993 after 33 years of teaching.

     In 1958, he married Marjorie Jean Daum in the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Oil City, PA. Jim and Marge were both members of the Port Allegany United Methodist Church where Jim was active as a Sunday School teacher, Choir member and Trustee. Jim was also a member of the Port Allegany Garden and Carver’s Club, Meals on Wheels volunteer and Webelos Den Leader.

     His interests were gardening, woodworking, collecting model trains, building/home repairs, antique cars & restoring his 1975 Firebird, reading, puzzles, playing games, playing bass guitar, stamp collecting, drawing/painting/stained glass art, astronomy, traveling, nature, birding, sitting on his deck, and visiting his children.

     He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie Petzold, his eldest son Jeffrey Petzold, parents Emil and Anna, brother Richard, sisters Thelma and Alice.

    Surviving are his four children: Pamela Petzold, Mark (Karen) Petzold, Lynn Petzold, David (Diane) Petzold, daughter-in-law Loreline Bessiere, and three grandchildren, Dustin, Andreas and Louis Petzold.   

     Friends will be received from 3-5 p.m. Friday in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

     A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Port Allegany, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, (Nov.4, 2023). A luncheon will follow in the church social hall.

     Memorials can be to the S.W. Smith Library or the United Methodist Church.

     Condolences can be made to:  Lynn Petzold, 318 Hillside Ave., Port Allegany, PA 16743.