James G. "Jim" High

James G. “Jim” High, 65, Altoona, passed away Monday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, son of Jeane High and the late Albert Piccirilli. He later married Kathryn Gerhard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; 3 sons: Joseph “Joe” (Aimee) High, of Huntersville, NC, Joshua “Josh” (Courtny) High, of Lewisberry, PA, and Jacob “Jake” (Meghan) High, of Mechanicsburg, PA; 4 grandchildren: Makaylyn “Kaylyn” (Brett) Alley, of Huntersville, NC, Kaelyn High, of Lewisberry, PA, Kody High, of Lewisberry, PA, Carson High, of Mechanicsburg, PA and one more on the way (gender unknown at this time), of Mechanicsburg, PA; one great-grandchild: Hunter Rithamel, of Huntersville, NC; and 2 sisters: Sherry (Robert) Taylor, of WV and Cherry Moore, of VA.

Jim was a 1974 Altoona High School graduate. He later retired from the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home as a cook. He had a lifelong passion for playing bass guitar, guitar, and banjo; all self taught. He was a member of multiple bands throughout his life and enjoyed playing on his front porch and talking to those passing by.

Many new him by his nicknames: Jimmy High; Jimmy MF’n High; and Mayor Jim of 3rd Ave.

Friends will be received from 10am until the noon funeral service on Saturday Dec. 17, 2022 in the Santella Funeral Home. Interment will be at Blair Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, Jim would prefer to have donations sent to Wounded Warriors Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. If you would prefer to send flowers, potted plants would be preferred for the continuance of life.

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