On the evening of Monday, April 17th, 2017, well-known Canton resident, James H. Rockwell passed away quietly at Twin Oaks Personal Care Home in Granville Summit. He was 88 years of age.
Born October 25th, 1928 in Canton, he was the son of Martin L. and Violet (Varney) Rockwell. Mr. Rockwell was a graduate of Canton High School, as well as Pennsylvania State University, where he received a B.S. in Agriculture Economics.
He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and returned home to manage the family business following the death of his older brother.
He was married to the former Carol Little, and together they shared 63 years and raised three sons.
Mr. Rockwell led a very busy life for many years. Over the years in addition to running his business he served as president and board member of the Co-operative Feed Dealers Association, board member of the former First National Bank of Canton and president of Canton Borough Council. He was an active member of Canton Lodge # 415 Free & Accepted Masons, Old Possessions Hunting Club and the Nittany Lions Club, and was a Penn State season ticket holder for many years. He was also famous for his classic Model T Ford, which he often drove in local parades and offered to young couples for weddings.
Born October 25th, 1928 in Canton, he was the son of Martin L. and Violet (Varney) Rockwell. Mr. Rockwell was a graduate of Canton High School, as well as Pennsylvania State University, where he received a B.S. in Agriculture Economics.
He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and returned home to manage the family business following the death of his older brother.
He was married to the former Carol Little, and together they shared 63 years and raised three sons.
Mr. Rockwell led a very busy life for many years. Over the years in addition to running his business he served as president and board member of the Co-operative Feed Dealers Association, board member of the former First National Bank of Canton and president of Canton Borough Council. He was an active member of Canton Lodge # 415 Free & Accepted Masons, Old Possessions Hunting Club and the Nittany Lions Club, and was a Penn State season ticket holder for many years. He was also famous for his classic Model T Ford, which he often drove in local parades and offered to young couples for weddings.
Mr. Rockwell was a man of integrity. He was a hands-on businessman who knew his customers as friends and treated everyone with respect and fairness. He was also a man with a deep, abiding faith in the Lord who lived his faith on a daily basis.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, at home; son Steve and his son Martin, Canton, son Phil (&Johanne), Canton and their children April (& Matt) Bispack, Macungie, Pa., Shannon Seitzer, Montoursville, Sarah Rockwell, Lakeland, FL., Luke (& Sarah) Rockwell, Breingsville, Pa., and son David(& Linda) Rockwell, Canton and their children Nick Rockwell, Canton and Jackie (& Dustin) Harper, Granville Summit, Matt (& Amanda) Rockwell, Canton; as well as 17 great-grandchildren; sister Jane Palmeter, Metuchen, NJ, and brother Charles (& Carol) Rockwell, Canton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin L. and Violet (Varney) Rockwell, brother Martin Varney Rockwell and sister-in-law Helen (Schneider) Rockwell.
The funeral was held on April 22nd, at the Church of Christ (Disciples) in Canton with a celebration of his life with the Rev. Duane Taylor officiating.
Interment followed in Park Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the Green Free Library, 38 N. Center Street, Canton, or to the Innes Hose Company, P.O. Box 72, Canton, PA, 17724. (morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)
He is survived by his wife, Carol, at home; son Steve and his son Martin, Canton, son Phil (&Johanne), Canton and their children April (& Matt) Bispack, Macungie, Pa., Shannon Seitzer, Montoursville, Sarah Rockwell, Lakeland, FL., Luke (& Sarah) Rockwell, Breingsville, Pa., and son David(& Linda) Rockwell, Canton and their children Nick Rockwell, Canton and Jackie (& Dustin) Harper, Granville Summit, Matt (& Amanda) Rockwell, Canton; as well as 17 great-grandchildren; sister Jane Palmeter, Metuchen, NJ, and brother Charles (& Carol) Rockwell, Canton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin L. and Violet (Varney) Rockwell, brother Martin Varney Rockwell and sister-in-law Helen (Schneider) Rockwell.
The funeral was held on April 22nd, at the Church of Christ (Disciples) in Canton with a celebration of his life with the Rev. Duane Taylor officiating.
Interment followed in Park Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the Green Free Library, 38 N. Center Street, Canton, or to the Innes Hose Company, P.O. Box 72, Canton, PA, 17724. (morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)
