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James L. ‘Jim’ Garthwaite Jr.

James L. “Jim” Garthwaite Jr., 71, of Watsontown, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.

Born May 12, 1949, in Danville, he was the son of the late James L., Sr. and Doris L. (Jones) Garthwaite. On April 28, 1979, he married the former Susan J. Wright and they have celebrated 41 years of marriage. He was a 1967 graduate of Warrior Run High School and served honorably in the U.S. Air Force.

Jim owned and operated Jim Garthwaite Pistolsmith, Inc., of rural Watsontown, since 1977. He was a founding member of the American Tactical Shooting Association, a member of the American Pistolsmith’s Guild and was named Pistolsmith of the year in 2004.

He was a life member of the Watsontown American Legion, the Watsontown Fire Department, the NRA and was a certified NRA instructor. He was a member of the Watsontown Recreational Club, Gray’s Run Hunting Club and Watsontown Baptist Church. He was a former state president of the Sons of the American Revolution, and former president of the SAR Tiadaghton Chapter of Williamsport.

Surviving besides his wife, Susan, are a son, Jon W. Garthwaite and his wife, Erica, of Camp Hill; two daughters, Jessica L. Roberts and her husband, James, of Milton, and Jill L. Coyne and her husband, Daniel, of Etters; six grandchildren, Colton and Tyler Roberts; Olivia and Patrick Coyne; and Jemma and Henry Garthwaite; and a sister, Rebecca Hontz and her husband, David, of Watsontown.

A private memorial service will be held at Watsontown Baptist Church with Rev. James Ritter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory be made to Watsontown Baptist Church, 501 Main St., Watsontown, PA 17777; the Warrior Run Area Fire Co., PO Box 8, Watsontown, PA 17777; or the Washingtonville Area Fire Company, 121 Strawberry Ridge Road, Danville, PA 17821.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc. PC, 124 Main St., Watsontown.

www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com