Smethport – James R. McDowell, 89, of Crosby, PA passed away Thursday (February 22, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

He was born March 29, 1934 in Smethport, the son of James and Golda (Eberly) McDowell. On January 29, 1955, in Farmers Valley, PA, he married Anita L. Russell, who survives.

Jim attended Smethport Area Schools and had worked at Emporium Hardwoods and then for his own business, McDowell’s Welding in Crosby.

Jim was a member of the McKean Lodge #388 F&AM of Smethport and the John Berg Post #976 of Crosby as a social member. 

Jim enjoyed the outdoors, vegetable gardening and working with wood.  He was a master craftsman who built his house and several hope chests for family and friends.  He was a self-taught welder/mechanic who could fix or build anything.  For many years, he enjoyed working side by side with his son, Doug. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren/great-grandchildren play sports and hosting and attending hot dog roasts with family and friends.  Jim also loved going to local stock car races and watching NASCAR on TV.  His skill and friendship will be missed by many friends and family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

One daughter: Donna (Edward) Swanson of Smethport

Four grandchildren: Jeremy (Chantel) McDowell, Kara (Eric) Barton, Jill Prince and Kelly Swanson(Andrew Terhune)

Six great-grandchildren: Jezlyn Barton, Tyler & Douglas McDowell, Sawyer & Sterling Prince and Dylan Swanson

One brother: Richard McDowell of Smethport

And several nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Douglas McDowell, one sister, Helen Murray, and two brothers, Bert & Glenn McDowell.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11AM in the funeral home, with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating.  Burial will be in Norwich Cemetery, Colegrove. A Masonic Service will be conducted at 6PM Monday evening by the McKean Lodge #388 F&AM of Smethport.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.