James M. Showalter Jr.

James M. Showalter Jr., 79, Altoona, passed away Saturday at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Williamsburg, son of the late James and Ruth (Cage) Showalter Sr.

He later married the love of his life, Catherine Stoehr, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. 

Surviving are his loving wife; six children: Debra Markel, Deanna (Terry) Anderson, Denise (Brad) Shugarts, Darrin (Lori) Showalter, Douglas (Karen) Showalter, and David (Dena) Showalter; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five sisters: Barbara, Sandy, Connie, Sharon and Gaynell; two brothers, Jeff and Steve; and numerous cousins. 

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael, their special guardian angel; a brother, Bill; and a son-in-law, Ralph Markel. 

Jim was a graduate of Williamsburg High School. He retired from Verizon after 35 years of service and had also worked as a Special Education Aide for five years with the Altoona School District. 

He served four years in the United States Navy with an E5 rating and seven years in the Naval Reserves, two of which he was a Navy Seabee. 

Jim was a volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry and the pizza booth at St. Mary’s Festival. He was an officer of the Athletic Association, a lector at church, a Eucharistic Minister, an adult altar server at funerals, and volunteer at St. Mary’s church and school, as a CCD teacher. 

He was a member of the Bavarian Aid Society, Unter Uns, a third degree of the Knights of Columbus, and a proud member of CWA. 

Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Altoona. 

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at St. Mary’s Church, Altoona. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Jim to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 231, Altoona PA 16603. 

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