James Lawrence Black

James Lawrence Black, 83, of Liberty, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12 in his home holding JoAnn’s hand, his wife of 62 years.

James, more warmly known as Jim, was the son of the late Winnie (Schanbacher) and Tony Black and was born on December 12, 1942, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1961 and earned a degree from Tri-State College in Business Motor Transport. He returned to Liberty to work at B & D Transfer, a company his late father co-founded and that he took over as joint owner and operator after his father’s passing; 50 years later he retired and closed the business in 2014. While often working six days a week, he enjoyed his job, largely due to the people he worked with along the way.

Jim was an avid sports fan and a loyal follower of the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Giants. He was also a member of the Laurel Hill Game and Forestry Club, Liberty Lutheran Church, and F & A.M. Lodge 106 and the Scottish Rite. He loved the outdoors and appreciated the natural beauty that surrounded him. The companionship of his family and friends also added to his gratitude for life.

Jim is survived by his wife, the love of his life, JoAnn (Parker) Black and their three children that grew to six through marriage: Randy and Connie Black, of Liberty, Kathy and Butch Myers, of Orient, OH, and Robin and Mitch Stetter, of Liberty. Over the last three decades Jim celebrated the births of six grandchildren and one great grandchild whose lives brought him great joy: Becca (Alex) Belanger, Nicole Black, Kristina and Melissa Myers, Darby and Brady Stetter, and Knox Belanger. He also leaves behind two loving sisters, Linda Manevel and Jan Pequignot and her husband Bill along with his family by marriage including Sandra Hall, Sheila and Joe Guillaume, Barry Hultz, and Fern McNett. In addition, he was a proud uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his sister Judy Pivnichny and her husband John, his brother-in-laws Clair Maneval, Jerry McNett, Dennis Hall, his sister-in-law Jane Hultz, and Buzz and Helen Parker along with many close friends.

A memorial service honoring Jim’s life will be held on Friday, June 19 at 11:30 AM at the Liberty Lutheran Church, 4478 Williamson Trail, Liberty, with Raymond Huff as officiant. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Throughout Jim’s life, he enjoyed sharing conversation with others, and more recently valued the time others gave to visit with him. In honor of Jim and in lieu of flowers, please share time with a loved one and give them a hug. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or Liberty Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 52, Liberty, Pennsylvania 16930.

Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary.

Online condolences may be expressed on Jim’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.