James Lee Strong

James Lee Strong, (84), of Carlisle, formerly of North Huntingdon Township, passed away on the morning of January 27, 2024 at the Forest Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Home. He was born July 9, 1939 in Windber, Somerset County, devoted son of Melvin C Strong and (Nellie) Eileen (Coolbaugh) Strong. Jim grew up in Johnstown, graduating from Johnstown Sr. High in 1957. Following graduation he enrolled in the Forestry program at Penn State Mont Alto where he planted many trees near Camp David and Site R. Jim was a proud Vietnam Era veteran, enlisting in the reserves in 1955 and being honorably discharged from the Army in 1962 after serving as a radar repair technician in Pedricktown, NJ. After the Army, Jim worked as a laboratory equipment maker & machinist at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1963 he began a long career with Westinghouse, starting at the Astro Nuclear lab as a lab assistant & Reactor assembly, working at the Nuclear Center in Monroeville and ending his career at Westinghouse as a Sr. Compensation Systems Analyst at Corporate Headquarters Gateway Center. While working at Westinghouse, he earned his B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg. He became a computer programmer, proficient in designing programs in COBOL and FORTRAN. He formally retired after working for Westmoreland County at the Jail and Manor in information systems. He had a part-time job after retiring, at his favorite gas station, Sheetz, to see people he knew and drink his favorite coffee. During his Army years, he went on a blind date with an Army buddy to meet some nursing students in Shadyside, where he met the love of his life, Jane Louise Harrison, of North Versailles. They were married Sept. 9, 1961. They celebrated their 60th anniversary a few weeks before Jane Louise’s death on Sept. 20, 2021. Jim is survived by 2 children, Kimberly (Rich) Capozzi of Shippensburg, James D. (Page Christman) Strong, of Dover, PA. Jim & Jane Louise were blessed with four grandchildren, Dr. Joshua A. Capozzi DMD. and his wife Ashley of Mechanicsburg, Justin R. Capozzi and his wife, Becca of Falling Waters, WV, and Lily Maria Strong and Emma Jane Strong, at home in Dover, PA; three great-grandchildren, Olivia Grace and Luca James (Joshua) and Gabriella Luna (Justin) round out his happy family. Jim will also be missed by his constant companions, Storm and Puddles, his two Havanese dogs. He is also survived by his younger brother, William R. Strong (Shelly), Noblesville. IN, a niece, two nephews and their beautiful families, an aunt, Jean (Coolbaugh) Schneider, and cousins Jeffrey (Barb) Duryea and Mark Duryea. Jim led a great life with many interests. He was an avid western and spy novel reader, coin collector, deer hunter, WWII miniature model builder and Christmas toffee maker! Jim belonged to Shidle Lodge #601 F&AM, Irwin, PA, where he was a past master, and a member of the American Legion, Post 421, Newville, PA. He loved his Nascar races, attending the Inaugural Indianapolis Brickyard 400 and many thereafter with Jane Louise. For his 70th birthday he realized a dream and spent a day at the Indy speedway, training then suiting up to drive some laps at top speed on the famous track. Jim & Jane Louise took many vacations over the years. They loved traveling to the National Parks. They even drove to Denali in Alaska where they panned for gold. But, their greatest treasure was the special love they shared with each other. To honor his love of travel, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Park Foundation, gift.nationalparks.org. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday February 5, at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main Street, Irwin, PA. Military honors will be presented at 3 p.m. Private interment will be at Restland Memorial Park, Monroeville, PA. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

James Lee Strong

July 9, 1939 - January 27, 2024