James M. Chilson Sr., 72, of South Williamsport, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at Williamsport Regional Medical Center.
Born July 30, 1940, in Blossburg, he was a son of the late Melvin C. and Eleanor (Barrlett) Chilson.
Jim was a 1958 graduate of Williamsport High School and had served in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines he held the expert rifleman record at Camp Lejeune for 25 years, having only dropped one shot out of 500. He had worked as a firefighter for the City of Williamsport retiring as a Deputy Chief after 32 years. He was a life member of the Republican League and a founding member of the Long Shot Hunting Club in Renovo. He was the owner of the Red Suspenders, a gathering place for his fellow firefighters, and he also owned and operated The Thomas Lightfoote Inn from 1986-1997.
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James M. Chilson Sr.
Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Rita L. (Krauser) Chilson; six children, Pamela M. Kastner (Shaun), Pamella A. Chilson (Shell), Sirina Caputo (Stan), Diane Yeagle (Bob), Jim Chilson Jr. (Lori) and John J. Chilson; 13 grandchildren; four great-grand children; three brothers, Gary, Dennis and Melvin Chilson; and a sister, Kathy Hurlbutt.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise McClelland.
Jim had many accomplishments in his life, but what mattered the most was the way he touched the lives of his friends and family.
He loved quietly, simply and fully. You saw it in a special look, a twinkle in his eye. You felt it in his giving nature; doing things, big and small, for others. His love was unconditional, pure and without judgment. He was a true gift in all of our lives and will forever be greatly, greatly missed.
Jim gave love freely, and in the end, he was surrounded by love. His wife and all of his children, grandchildren, family, and even some friends, were with him as he left this world for a better place. Although his physical presence will no longer be with us and he will be missed beyond measure, he leaves behind a legacy of love that will always be with us. For that, we are eternally grateful.
A Celebration of his Life; an Irish wake will be held Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Zafar Grotto, 381 E. Second Ave., South Williamsport. All who knew and loved him please attend.
Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary.
