James A. Webb

James A. Webb, 68, of Hughesville, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at his home.

Born Aug. 2, 1944, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Arthur D. and Josephine E. Shaffer Webb. He and his wife, the former Carol B. Keiser, celebrated 29 years of marriage on Sept. 3, 2012.

Jim was a graduate of South Williamsport High School, Class of 1962, and Lycoming College, Class of 1966. He was employed at Philco Ford, then Zenith in Watsontown and the former Koppers in Muncy, before owning his own businesses. Jim was a true entrepreneur, owning several local businesses, including the former McCormick Lines from 1984 to 1994, Webb Communications from 1992 to 2004, and Webb Weekly from 2003 until his death.

He was a member of Follmer Lutheran Church, Milton, First Ward Fire Company, South Williamsport, following in his father’s footsteps as chief, and served on the board for the Williamsport Area Ambulance Service. Jim was a sports enthusiast who loved giving back to the community by coaching and supporting various local sporting programs. One of his greatest joys was attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Jim had a passion for racing and was proud to have raced with Dale Earnhardt in the Rolex 24 Hours in Daytona, Fla. He enjoyed traveling throughout North America in his motor home, riding his motorcycle and golfing with friends. Jim was also an animal lover who loved spending time with his dogs.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three sons, William McCollum and wife Heather of Gum Spring, Va., James Webb Jr. and wife Michelle of Loyalsock, and Brian Webb and wife Rachael of Gratz; two daughters, Jodi Johnson and husband Joseph of Dallas, Texas and Morgan Webb and fiance Michael Battista of Wash., D.C.; 11 grandchildren, Katherine McCollum and partner Jason Engel, Bryce McCollum, Alexandra McCollum, James Webb III, Hunter Webb, Chance Webb, Jediah Webb, Gage Webb, Myia Johnson, Michael Johnson and Carmella Johnson; a great-granddaughter, Riliegh Engel; a brother, Richard Webb of Williamsport; a mother-in-law, Beatrice Keiser of Milton; and an aunt and uncle, Mildred and John Wagget of Loyalsock.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jo Seiwell nee Webb of South Williamsport and a brother, Cyrus Shaffer of Deluth, Minn.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 324 Howard St., South Williamsport, with the Rev. Susan Lynch and Rev. Barbara J. Collins, co-officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Montgomery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.

The family will provide the flowers and suggest memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1948 E. Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Hughesville.