James R. Hart May 8, 1946 – September 22, 2024
James R. Hart, 78, of Honey Brook, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on May 8, 1946, in Cumberland, Maryland. James was the son of William J. Hart and Florence (Hoopes) Hart. Celebrating 58 years of marriage, he was the beloved husband of Judith (Warfel) Hart.
James graduated from Henderson High School in West Chester, PA in 1964. He then proudly served in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger. During the Vietnam War, James was a member of the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrols, trained by Special Forces and attached to the Fourth Infantry Division. He earned two Bronze Stars during his deployment.
Returning home, James attended Goldey-Beacom College where he majored in business. He worked in retail sales, first at Agway in West Chester, later for Bradley Caldwell in sales distribution and sales management. After retirement, James enjoyed getting back into retail sales and worked at Stoltzfus Feed and Supply in Gap, PA.
James was involved in services, in the communities in which he lived. While a teen, he joined the West Goshen Fire Company. Then when married, he served in the Kennett Square Fire Company. Moving to Lionville, James joined the Lionville Fire Company. In 1974 he became a founding member of the Uwchlan Ambulance and was the second president when they purchased property and constructed their ambulance building. James lived in Lionville 49 years and served in the Lionville Youth Association as a coach, umpire and referee. James was the Assistant Scout Master and then Scout Master of Lionville Boy Scout Troop 216.
He was a member of Christ Community Church in West Chester. After moving to the Tel Hai Retirement Community, James attended the Tel Hai Chapel services.
James’s most significant line of service was to his family. James was a dedicated and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. In addition to his wife, James is survived by his children: Kristin Hart Scatamacchia (Vincent) of Oley, PA, and Keith W. Hart (Trisha) of Lionville, PA; grandchildren: Chelsey (great grandson, Liam), Joshua, Hannah, Meghan; adoptive grandchildren Alexa, Olivia, Derek and also Kristina and Dominic. He is also survived by sisters; Joanna (Hart) Yuninger (James) and Valerie (Hart) Voran (Ray).
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his stepmother: Eleanor (Worthington) Hart and sister Bernice (Hart) Finkey.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Tel Hai Retirement Community, StoneCroft Center: 4000 Tree Line Drive, Honey Brook, PA 19344. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM at the same location.
Memorial contributions in James’ name may be made payable to “Tel Hai Development Fund” and mailed to 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA 19344. (please write “Care Assurance Fund” on the check’s memo line). This fund helps residents who are unable to continue to afford their care at Tel Hai.
From Michael Lapolla: Jim was one of our original Second Brigade LRRPS. He was a natural and super soldier and a great guy. We kept in loose touch over the years and spoke several times when he was recently battling terminal cancer. Jim was solely responsible for reconnecting me with our legacy in 2000 when he convinced me to attend a Ranger Reunion in Savannah. His recruiting pitch was “ I’ll go if you go!”
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