James McDaniel

James McDaniel, 85, of 720 McCalmont St., Franklin died at 6:20 a.m. Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Erie VA Hospital. Born November 12, 1924 in Cooperstown, PA, he was the son of the late Chillas W. and Alberta Brown McDaniel. Mr. McDaniel was a 1943 graduate of Rocky Grove High School. He graduated with a degree in Theology from Thiel College. James was a World War II veteran and served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946. He received a Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge. James was the Youth Director at the Franklin YMCA for 31 years until his retirement in 1995. He was also a clerk at Islay's in the 1940's. Mr. McDaniel was a devote Christian and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove. He was named the Man of the Year by the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce in 1990. He loved animals and music (especially organ music) and enjoyed reading. He is survived by his sister, Helen Lightner of Beaver Falls, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold McDaniel, Paul McDaniel, Floyd McDaniel, and Edwin McDaniel; and a sister, Evelyn Gurnee. Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home with the Rev. Edmund C. Gresick of Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove presiding. Interment will follow in Franklin Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Franklin YMCA 111 West Park Street, Franklin, PA 16323 or to Grace United Methodist Church, 350 Front St., Franklin, PA 16323. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.