James "Victor" V. Swales, formerly of rural Centre Hall, died Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at Centre Crest Nursing Home in Bellefonte.
He was born April 25, 1919, at Loganton, a son of the late Charles L. Swales and Ruth M. Confer and was raised by his step mother Anna Swales who also preceded him in death.
On December 31, 1945, he married the former Hazel L. Miller who survives at home in Millheim.
In addition to his wife Hazel, he is survived by two daughters, Carol L. Ravenna(Donald) of New Port Richey, FL, and Victoria L. Bressler (Dennis) of Millheim; one son, Mike Swales(Eileen) of Warriors Mark; eight grandchildren, Hope Franklin(Todd), Anthony Ravenna(Heather), Chad Bressler(Corinna), Troy Bressler(Samantha) Christopher Swales(Jackie) Jennifer Swales(Ben), Cheri Nearhoof(Scott) and Jaime Miller(Jason); six great grandchildren, Chase, Alexa, Ava, Allison, Westley and Austin; one sister Margaret Hughes of Jersey Shore, and one brother Robert B. Swales(Ginger) of Mifflinburg.
In addition to his parents and stepmother, he was preceded in death by three sisters.
He attended Loganton schools.
Mr. Swales was a proud veteran of World War II and a survivor of Pearl Harbor, while stationed at the Schofield Barracks. He served with the 95th Portable Surgical Hospital in the 77th Infantry Division, in the Gilbert Islands, the Marshalls and the Marianas. He earned the Good Conduct, American Defense and American Campaign Medals. He also earned the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, with three Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal, prior to being honorably discharged on January 13, 1946 with the rank of Technician Fourth Grade.
For nearly twenty eight years he was employed as a tool and die maker at Cerro Metals near Bellefonte, retiring in 1982. After taking classes in upholstery, he did custom upholstery work following his retirement from Cerro.
He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall and the V. F. W. in Bellefonte. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing and camping in Delaware.
Friends will be received from 6 - 8 p. m. Friday, March 23, 2007 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will be at 11:00 a. m. Saturday, March 24, 2007, at the funeral home, with the Reverend S. Leigh Pick officiating. Burial will follow at Centre County Memorial Park 1032 Benner Pike, State College, PA with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, P. O. Box 212, Centre Hall, PA 16828 or to the Centre Crest Activities Fund, 502 E. Howard St. Bellefonte, PA 16823
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuenralhome.com.