Obituary of James A. McKean

Smethport - James A. McKean, 87, of Smethport, died Wednesday (November 11, 2015) in the UPMC Hamot, Erie. He was born Dec. 1, 1927 at home in Smethport, a son of Robert and Marion Bloomster McKean. On June 30, 1973, in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, he married Eileen Hull, who survives. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class. He was stationed in Quantico. After his time served, he finished High School at the Technical School of Erie, graduating in 1949. He then attended trade school, receiving his qualifications for being a surveyor. Jim worked for the State of PA for a time, then for McKean County, as well as holding the position of Tax Collector in Keating Township for a period of time. He ultimately was a proud farmer, owning and operating the family farm all his life. Jim was a very involved and civic person overall. He was a member of the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport, the Conservation District, was a past member of the Bradford Airport Authority, was on the McKean County Fair Association Board, and a member of St. Elizabeth Church, where he belonged to the Holy Name Society, the Cemetery Board, the Knights of Columbus, and was a Eucharistic Minister. He was involved with the McKean County Historical Society, and had also been awarded McKean County Farmer of the Year. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter: Colleen M. (David) McClain of Smethport one son: Charles E. (Christi) McKean of Ashtabula, OH four grandchildren: Derek, Coryn, Devon and Ashbei three brothers: Bernard (Beverly) McKean of Ashtabula, OH, Thomas (Karen) McKean of Wellington, OH, and William (Judy) McKean of Smethport and many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by one brother, Robert McKean, and one sister, Doris Maynard. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, Nov. 16, at 10 AM, from St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, Pastor, as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport. A Christian Wake service will be held in the funeral home at 7:30 PM Sunday during visitation. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Elizabeth Church building fund, the McKean County Historical Society, or 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.