Johnsonburg, Pa.: “Big Jim” Pennington, Sr., of Johnsonburg was a ‘mainstay’ of the Rolfe Beagle Club in northern Elk County for almost 60 years of the club’s 78 years of existence.  “Big Jim” was always the Marshal at the club’s AKC Licensed Beagle Trials for decades.  Dog handlers learned early on to listen when “Big Jim” gave instruction.

“Big Jim” earned his nickname not only because he was the senior or big Jim in the family, but he also had huge muscles from working his outdoor job.

Jim owned several nice hunting beagles, namely “Jake” and “Mike” that he trained at Rolfe Beagle Club.  Despite working two jobs, Jim always found time to drive the tractor, mow the strips, or do whatever needed to be done at the club to help keep the grounds maintained. 

Jim served on the Board of Directors of the club for almost 40 years.  It was always worth going to the club on Sunday morning for coffee, and to talk with “Big Jim”.  He had a way of making the Sunday morning folks laugh at goings-on at the club or around the community.

Two weeks ago, “Big Jim” went to meet the Lord.  He will be greatly missed at Rolfe Beagle Club.  Brian Winters of the Board of Directors of Rolfe Beagle Club and his wife Johnna designed a special plaque to commemorate Jim’s memory and presented it to Jim Pennington, Jr., on Sunday, June 9.  The plaque will be hung on the ‘wall of honor’ at Rolfe Beagle Club.

Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.