Sep 28, 2013

Bethlehem Mine employee was U.S. Navy veteran

James G. Wilson, 86, of Bentleyville, died Saturday, September 28, 2013, in his home.

He was born March 9, 1927, in Bentleyville, a son of the late John and Eunice Greenlee Wilson.

During World War II, he interrupted his education to enlist in the U.S. Navy and serve in the Pacific Theater. Upon completing his military service, he completed his high school education and graduated with the Class of 1948 from the former Ellsworth High School, where he was elected class president.

For most of his adult life he was employed by Bethlehem Mines Corp., first as an outside surveyor and prior to his retirement in 1987 as the outside foreman in Ellsworth Mine 51 and Marianna Mine 58. He was employed a total of 39 ½ years with Bethlehem.

Mr. Wilson became a member of Bentleyville Lions Club in 1960, served in many different offices throughout his membership and became a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was also a long and devoted volunteer for Meals on Wheels program and continued to deliver meals as recently as August 2013. He was best known in the tri-state area as an accomplished amateur golfer, competing in and winning many tournaments. Over the course of his golfing career, he had nine holes-in-one. He also volunteered as a golf instructor for Allegheny Community College and gave instructions for several years in Washington County.

He was a gentle soft-spoken man who befriended many, and would help anyone, especially his extended family.

On October 10, 1953, he married the late Pauline Pivovarnik of Charleroi, who passed away July 24, 1974. Two sons were born to their marriage, James Joseph Wilson (Pam) of Scenery Hill and Dennis Keith Wilson (Edna) of Chesapeake, Va. In March 1986, Mr. Wilson married the late Jean Gregor Dziak who died November 11, 2010.

Surviving are five grandchildren, James Ryan Wilson (Natalie) of Washington, Rachel Martin (Ryan) of Gettysburg, Hayley Wilson of Scenery Hill, Tanya and Tara Wilson of Chesapeake; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Grace E. Wilson of Ellsworth; and two brothers, Lawrence Wilson of Irwin and Arthur Wilson of Amity.

Also surviving is a friend, Ida Zoldak, with whom he spent many happy moments and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents and wives, are a sister, Margaret Zarak; and three brothers, Charles, Herbert and John Wilson.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville. The Bentleyville Lions Club will hold a service at 6 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Bentleyville Lions Club, P.O. Box 55, Bentleyville, PA 15314. Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.