James Edward Kuivinen

James E. Kuivinen, 90, of Meadville, passed away at Wesbury Retirement Community Center on October 4, 2019.Born May 10, 1929 in Erie, James was the son of the late H. Edward and Fern (Bulfinch) Kuivinen.James was a Korean Conflict Veteran and served two years with the U.S. Army, receiving the Korean Ribbon with Three Battle Stars. He served with the 187 RCT and the 4oth Division, and received a Letter of Commendation from Gen. B. Bryan for the highest scores ever received in the Army Vehicle Maintenance Program.Jim was a part of the family motorcycle business in Erie and Buffalo, NY, and was a life-time motorcyclist. He was also active in many phases of motorcycle competition.He married the former Joanne Wright in July 1951, and she preceded him in death in 1992. He subsequently married Lois H. Robinson in November 1993, and she preceded him in death in February 2016.In 1957 Jim moved from Buffalo, NY to work at Joy Manufacturing Company in Franklin. After a tragic plant fire, Jim and his family were moved by Joy Manufacturing to Claremont, NH where they lived until they returned back to Franklin in 1967. Jim held several management positions until he retired and moved to Arizona in 1989."Retired" in Phoenix, Jim found interest in a motorcycle maintenance school where he taught a course restoring vintage Harleys, most specifically, 1937 to 1953 WL Engines of H-D Motor Co. He wrote lesson plans that applied to these years which included WLA models of Uncle Sam.After retiring from teaching, he enjoyed years of traveling with his wife, Lois, eventually making Franklin his home once again, where together he and his wife enjoyed their families and younger generations.Jim is survived by his two sons, Edward Kuivinen and his wife, Peggy, of Canal Fulton, OH and Donald Kuivinen of Aliquippa; his two grandchildren, Ian Kuivinen and his wife, Jessica, of Aliquippa, and La Rae Kuivinen of Oil City; his step-son, Barry Robinson and his wife, Peggy, of Franklin; and his niece, Sue Reynolds, of Tucson, AZAs per his wishes, Jim will be interred in the Phoenix National Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Sugarcreek United Methodist Church Building Fund, 869 Buttermilk Hill Road, Franklin, PA 16323.The Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA has been entrusted with arrangements.To send cards, online condolences, or for more information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.