James L. “Jim” Garthwaite, Jr., 71, of Watsontown, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.
Born May 12, 1949 in Danville, he was the son of the late James L., Sr. and Doris L. (Jones) Garthwaite. On April 28, 1979 he married the former Susan J. Wright and they have celebrated 41 years of marriage. He was a 1967 graduate of Warrior Run High School and served honorably in the US Air Force.
Jim owned and operated Jim Garthwaite Pistolsmith, Inc. of rural Watsontown since 1977. He was a founding member of the American Tactical Shooting Association, a member of the American Pistolsmith’s Guild, and was named Pistolsmith of the year in 2004.
He was a life member of the Watsontown American Legion, the Watsontown Fire Department, and the NRA, and was a certified NRA instructor. He was a member of the Watsontown Recreational Club, Gray’s Run Hunting Club and Watsontown Baptist Church. He was a former state president of the Sons of the American Revolution, and former president of the SAR Tiadaghton Chapter of Williamsport.
Surviving besides his wife, Susan are a son, Jon W. Garthwaite and his wife Erica of Camp Hill; two daughters: Jessica L. Roberts and her husband James of Milton and Jill L. Coyne and her husband Daniel of Etters; six grandchildren: Colton and Tyler Roberts; Olivia and Patrick Coyne; and Jemma and Henry Garthwaite; and a sister, Rebecca Hontz and her husband David of Watsontown.
A private memorial service will be held at Watsontown Baptist Church with the Rev. James Ritter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory be made to Watsontown Baptist Church, 501 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777, the Warrior Run Area Fire Co., PO Box 8, Watsontown, PA 17777, or the Washingtonville Area Fire Company, 121 Strawberry Ridge Road, Danville, PA 17821.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc. PC, 124 Main Street, Watsontown. www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com
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