James L. Kahle, 84, of 777 Interstate Parkway, passed away, Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born October 15, 1930 in Bradford, he was the son of the late Gordon E. and Emma Mae (Passmore) Kahle.
On April 9, 1955 in Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, he married Betty L. (Shotts) Kahle who survives.
He was a 1948 graduate of Bradford High School. After High School, he worked for Kendall Refinery and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and served during the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharged in April of 1954.
After his military service, he returned to Bradford and resumed his career with Kendall Refinery in the laboratory. He advanced his career with the refinery in various positions until his retirement as the refinery manager after 40+ years of service.
He attended Hill Memorial United Methodist Church.
He was an active member of Lodge #749, F & AM; a 32nd Degree Mason with the Coudersport Consistory; Past Monarch of The Orak-Grotto; member of the Zem Zem Shrine in Erie and active with the Joey Clowns. As part of his masonic service he was known for raising funds for Evergreen Elm and other local charities for special needs individuals. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #108.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending summers at Chautauqua Lake with his family at their cottage.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by seven children, all of whom he helped achieve college degrees, Linda (Kenneth) Dougan, of Erie, Lisa (Richard) Roberts, of Ashville, NY, Jamie McDermott, of Bradford, Thomas (Lynn) Kahle, also of Bradford, Lane (Michael) Wilton, of Oak Ridge, NC, Richard (Mariann) Kahle and Laurie (James) Ludwig, all of Bradford; 14 grandchildren, Brian Dougan, Kate Dougan, Jake Roberts, Casey McDermott, Sam McDermott, Chelsea Kahle, Courtney Kahle, Matthew Kahle, Nicole Wilton, Breanna Wilton, Lauryn Kahle, Laney Kahle, Joshua Kahle and Danielle Sullivan; a sister, Donna (Bill) Moore, of Bradford and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a niece, Carole Moore.
Family will be receiving friends from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM, Tuesday, December 30, 2014 in the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, where a masonic service will be held at 12:45 in the sanctuary. At 1:00 PM, a memorial service will be held with Rev. Jay Tennies, officiating.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the Evergreen Elm Activity Fund or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
On line condolences can be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com