James "Jim" Carl Withers

James "Jim" Carl Withers, 78, of Cochranton was called home by his Lord on Tuesday, December 9, 2014.

Jim was born on November 3, 1936, in Philadelphia, MS, the son of the late Lester and Mary Frances (Higgenbotham) Withers. He met Brenda A. Stacho, while stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. They were married June 22, 1963; she survives.

Jim entered the US Army in June of 1953. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. His 21 years of service included the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He retired from the US Army in July of 1974. After Jim retired from the US Army in 1974, the family moved to Meadville. Jim served as a Correction Officer with the Sheriff's Office from 1974 to 1980. In 1980 he became a State Constable for Crawford County until retirement on December 31, 1999. He was also a part time police officer for West Mead Township, serving as a Sergeant. Jim was a lung transplant recipient and he also received a kidney from his daughter, Pam. He enjoyed many good years with his transplants and thanked his donors every day for the extra years that were added to his life. He enjoyed fishing with his grandson, Michael, but his many transplants and his illness from Alzheimer's left him unable to continue his favorite sport. Jim also enjoyed reading, playing solitaire and watching anything on television that had to do with police or mysteries. He enjoyed all the animals that were a part of the family, even the cats that he claimed weren't his favorite. However, many a night one would be curled up by his side at bedtime.

Survivors, in addition to his loving, caring wife, Brenda, of 51 years, include three children; his loving, devoted daughter Pamela A. Coleman of Cochranton, his loving, caring sons James Douglas Withers of Meadville, Scott C. Withers of Cochranton, his special grandsons Michael K. Coleman of Cochranton, Cristian J. Withers of Meadville; his loving granddaughters Kayla M. Withers of Jefferson City, MO, Jasmine L. Withers of Meadville, his loving sisters Carrie June Hopper, Janice Wood both of Enterprise, MS, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Withers, his step father Poncit James Burrage, his mother Mary Frances Burrage and his step brother Jimmy Burrage.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4-8 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, where a scripture service will be conducted at 4:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, with Fr. Matthew Kujawinski, Pastor, officiating.

Interment with Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006 will take place in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Vernon Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Assoc. NW PA, 1128 State Street, Suite 301 Erie, PA 16501 or American Lung Association, 3524 W. 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com