James Howard Strickler

James Howard Strickler, 86, of 24545 State St., Meadville, passed away Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at Meadville Medical Center.
James was born in Star Junction on May 7, 1925, a son of the late Willis and Nellie (MacBurney) Strickler.
On December 22, 1951, James married Joan Brame; she survives.
In 1950 James graduated from Grove City College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He taught from 1950 until 1953 at Saegertown High School and was employed as a part-time announcer at radio station WMGW. He became Program Director of WMGW and eventually Manager of the local station. In 1958 he joined the Pennsylvania Electric Company in their Sales Dept. A move back to the field of communication occurred in 1966, when Strickler joined the former Meadville Master Antenna, Inc. At that time MMA, Inc. was embarking on local programming origination, in both Meadville and Titusville. Strickler was named Cablecasting Director and was instrumental in making MMA a pioneer in local programming, on channel 13. The channel gained national recognition and was acknowledged for its accomplishments by magazine and trade paper reviews. Strickler was presented the Pennsylvania Cable and Telecommunications Association Pride Award, on August 17, 2002, for his pioneering efforts in the cable television industry.
An opportunity to return to the classroom came when he was invited to join the faculty at Allegheny College, in 1989. He became an adjunct Instructor in the Communication Arts Dept. in 1989, later named lecturer and continued in that position until 2009. During summers he and his wife, Joan, operated Stricklers Country Gardens and specialized in growing roses, perennials and garden mums. Jim made many friends at Meadville Market House and Andover Flea Market. His advise helped many a novice gardener.
After graduating from High School, he reported to duty with the US Army Infantry. He served in the South Atlantic Theater of Operations, with the Army Signal Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1946, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He was, at one time, a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, Associated Charities, Meadville Area Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. He was a past President of the Meadville Jaycees, Crawford County Advocates and the Meadville Kiwanis Club. He was a fund drive participant for the Meadville Community Hotel, Meadville Area Industrial Commission, Allegheny College and the YMCA. He was a member of the Round Table and a charter member of the Pioneer Investment Club. Jim was a mentor to many and a friend to all.
In addition to his wife, Joan of 60 years, James is survived by two nieces Barb Peshkin, Candy Thurman, three nephews Dan Strickler, Tom Strickler and William Chambers.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a sister Dr. Guinevere Chambers and a brother John Strickler.
A graveside service, with Full Military Honors by AmVets Post #103, will take place in Bowman Flatwood Cemetery, Uniontown, on Thursday, May 3 at 11:00 AM with Dr. Rev. Timothy M. Solomon, Pastor of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Meadville, officiating.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Vukovich Center for Communication Arts, Allegheny College, Meadville, at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.
Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Crawford County, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road or Salvation Army, 1087 Park Ave, both of Meadville, PA 16335 or Bowman Flatwood Cemetary, C/O Patty Stewart, 423 Morris Hollow, Smock, PA 15480.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.
Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com