James William Schreck, 61, of Centre Hall, formerly of Boalsburg, died Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born January 13, 1950, in Williamsport, a son of the late William W. and Stella Black Schreck.
On December 2, 1972, at the Spring Creek Presbyterian Church in Lemont, he married the former Linda S. Ronk who survives at home.
Also surviving Mr. Schreck is a daughter, Sara Beth Power and her husband Adrian, and their daughter Holly Noelle Power, of Nollamara, Western Australia; one son Brian Michael Schreck of Centre Hall; several cousins, brothers and sisters in law, and nieces and nephews.
James was a 1967 graduate of State College Area High School, where he played saxophone in the Marching and Dance bands. He also played in a local band known as Cosmo and the Kegs. During the Viet Nam War, he served in the U. S. Navy from March 8, 1968, until his honorable discharge on January 23, 1974. He earned the rank of PR 3, earned a National Defense Medal, and was selected to play the saxophone in the U. S. Navy Band.
Following high school he worked at Centre Daily Times, and the Penn State Libraries. When he returned from the Navy, he worked at Weis Markets and Erie Technological Products; then went to work in Business Services at the Penn State University, retiring after 33 years of service. After his retirement, he worked at Playland.
Earlier in life he was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lemont, later becoming a member of the Spring Creek Presbyterian Church in Lemont. Mr. Schreck was a giving and caring person. That was, among a host of other things, demonstrated by his assisting with his father in law's care for several years, and by continuing that philosophy into his death, an organ donor.
A person of varied interests, he enjoyed playing the saxophone and guitar, as well as listening to music. He enjoyed fishing with his father in Canada, attending car shows, driving to restaurants anywhere in Pennsylvania, exploring areas new to him, going to amusement parks, reading, playing pool, pinball, and bowling.
Respecting his wishers, all service will be private at the convenience of the family.
In Mr. Schreck's honor, contributions may be made to an awards fund at Penns Valley High School, 4528 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875; Att: Awards Coordinator; for a student pursuing advanced saxophone studies.
A guestbook can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintelmanfuneralhome.com.