James Dale Sheffer, 92, of Malta, died Feb. 14, 2023.
Born April 28, 1930, in Kane (Pa.) Community Hospital, he was the only child of Margaret Virginia Dale and Elias E. Sheffer.
In 1941, the family moved to Bradford, Pa. James attended Hobson Place school and was a 1948 graduate of BAHS. After a brief stint at Allegheny College, he operated the Texaco station at 155 Washington Street. In January 1952 he entered the U.S. Army during the Korean War serving as a surveyor for the 465th heavy artillery battalion – being honorably discharged December 30, 1953 with the usual ribbons and medals.
He was graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1958 with a degree in journalism, and minors in language, history, and philosophy. He forwent the opportunity to earn a masters degree through a teaching fellowship at Boston College to marry Jeanne Terese Moyer who preceded him in death in 2021.
He was employed at WESB Radio for more than 35 years where, as promotion director, he created hundreds of large and small contests, shows, and special events, as well as designed all associated print materials.
He worked for many years with James Giles Quaker State on Interstate Parkway where he was known as “Speed.” Mr. Sheffer was a member of the national fraternity Alpa Chi Rho when it was composed mainly of Christian veterans. He enjoyed backpacking with his wife, and collected books on unusual subjects, as well as vintage music.
He leaves 4 daughters, Marianne (Ken) Wilber and Christina (Ray) Roberts, both in Florida; Charlene Jannazzo of Meadville, Pa., and Margaret (Don) McIntyre of Malta, N.Y., along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are by Hans Funeral Home, Albany, N.Y. Mr. Sheffer chose to donate his body.