James R. 'Bookie' Bookhamer

James R. ‘Bookie’ Bookhamer, 94, of Altoona, passed away Tuesday evening at UPMC Mercy, Pittsburgh. He was born in Detroit, Mich., son of the late Marvin D. and Mamie Mae Stella (Whiteman) Bookhamer.

James was twice married: first to Katherine Virginia Friday who preceded him in death, and then on Sept. 23, 1965, to Sharon D. Wilkins in Altoona.  She preceded him in death on Sept. 15, 2021.

Surviving are four daughters: Diana C. (Mike A.) Beck, Jamie M. (Duane K.) Brown, Sherri L. Bookhamer, and Helen K. Walter (late husband, Jody); four sons: James R. (Linda) Bookhamer Jr.; Terry L. (Cathy) Bookhamer; Russell T. (Mindy) Bookhamer, Marvin D. Bookhamer; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild.

James was the last of his immediate family.

James was a laborer working with Iron. He worked for Lafferty Trucking and was a self-employed roofer.

James served in the Korean War as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army.

James was a member of James L. Noble Post 3 VFW, the Jaffa Shrine (Motor Cars), and many clubs and organizations in the area. He enjoyed boating, amateur dirt track racing and socializing with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Duncansville VFW Post 8724, 1665 Newry Lane, Duncansville. Military Honors will be conducted by Blair County Honor Guard at 1 p.m.