James F. Saleme
6/11/2010

James F. “Jim” Saleme, 96, of Altoona, went home to be with the Lord Friday, June 11, 2010 at ARHS Altoona Hospital Campus.  He was born March 27, 1914 in Juniata, the son of the late Vincent E. and Edna M. (Dublin) Saleme.  Jim was twice married, first to Louise Barkley who preceded him in death on February 4, 1982, then married Ruth Ann Hooper on March 5, 1983 in Altoona.  He was a member of Juniata United Methodist Church, formerly Gethesame United Methodist Church, and Chairman of the Administrative Board for 19 years.  Jim founded Saleme Funeral Home, 315 Seventh Avenue, Juniata in May of 1938 which was sold to E. Merrill and Kevin M. Smith in April 1981.  He founded Saleme Insurance Services in August 1954, retiring February 1983.  Jim was a 1932 graduate of Altoona High School.  He was a charter member of Juniata Civic Association where he served as Treasurer for 27 years, member of Logan Lodge F&AM for 71 years, Altoona Consistory for 70 years, Jaffa Shrine for 70 years, serving as program director for 9 years and Royal Order of Jesters for 43 years.  Jim was a member of the Jaffa Entertainment Committee for 28 years, serving as chairman for 2 years.  He was a former member of S.C.O.R.E., Altoona Lions Club, Park Hills Country Club and Blairmont Country Club and Scotch Valley Country Club. Jim was active in the Altoona Community Chest and served as president of Santa Clause & Co.  Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years; daughters, Joyce M. Frank and husband George, Judy A. Hymes and husband Gerald and Linda L. Saleme all of Altoona; stepdaughter, Dr. Lee Ann Campbell and husband Dilip Worah of Seattle, WA; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and a sister Barbara Carroll of Altoona.  He was preceded in death by a daughter Margaret Louise Saleme, a sister Janet Stubbs and brother-in-law Thomas Carroll.  Friends will be received from 1:00pm until the 4:00pm funeral service on Monday, June 14, 2010 at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 2309 Broad Avenue, Altoona, officiated by Rev. Keith Schmuck.   Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery.  In remembrance of Jim, those who wish may make contributions to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, c/o Jaffa Shrine, P.O. Box 1984, Altoona, PA  16603, or the charity of your choice. 

Service
Friends will be received from 1:00pm until the 4:00pm funeral service on Monday, June 14, 2010 at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 2309 Broad Avenue, Altoona, officiated by Rev. Keith Schmuck.

Contributions
In remembrance of Jim, those who wish may make contributions to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, c/o Jaffa Shrine, P.O. Box 1984, Altoona, PA 16603, or the charity of your choice.

Andrew, Joan, and Andrea Brooks 6/13/2010 7:00:00 AM
This message is especially for Linda. Our simpathy is extended to the family in the passing of your loved one. Thank God that through Jesus Christ paying the penalty for our sins we can live eternally in heaven. The sting of death has been removed and we can celebrate his home going to be every present with the Lord until the day all are in his presence again rejoicing forever. Until that great reunion, cherish the memories. With love, comfort, and prayers - Andy, Joan, and Andrea Brooks

Dennis Garwood 6/13/2010 7:02:00 AM
I will always remember Jimmy as a kind and wonderful person to be around. I first met Jimmy through my Dad when I was growing up. He use to wash and clean the hearse for him and bought erie insurance. When I started driving he was the one I went to and have had erie for 50 years. Blair County is going to miss him.

Bob Scholl 6/14/2010 1:58:00 PM
Judy, Gerry and family. My sympathy on the loss of Mr. Saleme. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do for you.

Bill and Dana Thompson and Family 6/16/2010 8:31:00 PM
Our deepest sympathy to the Saleme family. We are out of town and just heard the news. Your family will be kept in our thoughts and prayers.

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