James A Blessing

Shamokin- James A. Blessing, 92, of 235 W Spruce Street, Shamokin, PA passed away on May 15, 2020 at Riverwoods Retirement Community. Born November 25, 1927, he was the son of the late James H. and Beatrice (Smith) Blessing. James attended schools in Lebanon, Pottsville, Coal Township, and Shamokin. He graduated from Shamokin in 1945.

James worked for Millers Auto Supply store during his high school days, sailed in the Merchant Marines aboard Texaco Oil Tankers from 1945-1946. He then resumed working for Millers, managing the store from 1950 until 1959. He then accepted a position with The Prudential as an Agent and Registered Rep. retiring May 4, 1987.

For his last 20 years with Prudential he was the treasurer of the “Insurance Workers Union Local”. He was the treasurer of his church, Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church for 10 years. During that time, he served on the last Coal Township School Board and the 1st Newly organized Shamokin Area School Board. The 2 years on the C. T. Board as treasurer. He was the current Treasurer of his high school graduation class of 1945.

On February 1, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Faye O. Fisher Blessing. For 43 years, they enjoyed their lives having and raising 3 sons. Mrs. Blessing (Faye) died June 1, 1990.

James then married Ernestine L. (Teena) Wilson Snyder Blessing on February 29, 1992. She added her relation to the family.

James and his wife Teena were active in Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center and both loved traveling, having spent time in every state and many foreign countries. They also enjoyed walking, pinochle and while able, line dancing. The group they belong to were called the ‘Country Swingers’. They entertained at the Senior Living Homes.

Surviving are Blessing’s 3 sons, James K and wife Rose from Vineland, NJ, Donald L. and wife, Annette from Coal Township and John T and wife Marilyn from Milton. 9 Grandchildren Kimberly Blessing, Jennifer Anderson and husband Jeff, Elizabeth Lukovic and husband Vlad, James A. Blessing, Kristopher Blessing and wife Michelle, Heather Johnson, Justin Blessing and wife Kristina, Kristin Blessing, and Lorin Blessing, 9 Great grandchildren; Madelyn and Christopher Anderson, Aiden and Devin Blessing, Sariah DeMarco, Alaina Johnson, Sebastijan Lukovic, Dresdian Perles and Emerson Blessing.

He is also survived by his present wife Ernestine L. (Teena) and her Family. Her 4 children, Kenneth Snyder, Albert (Alby) Snyder and wife Michelle, Paul Snyder and wife Dawn, and Susan Casto and husband Daryl. 5 grandchildren Ashley Peters, Mathew Tetkoskie, Jason Tetoskie, Katelyn Snyder, Maddox Snyder. Also surviving are Teena’s sister Joyce Thomas and several nieces.

In addition to his 1st wife and parents he was pre-deceased by brother Robert W. Blessing and Sister-in-law Ruth Hoyes Blessing.

FUNERAL NOTICE

James A. Blessing, 92, of 235 W Spruce Street, Shamokin - Graveside Service will be held Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:30 am with Pastor Brian Betsworth, officiating at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Coal Township. Viewing will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am in the Farrow-C.J. Lucas Funeral and Cremation Service, 240 W Chestnut Street, Shamokin, PA, Lori Ann Campbell, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.farrowfh.com