James Andrew Eldridge

Jim was born in Corry, PA to the late John A and Charlotte R (Kring) Eldridge on November 19, 1941.

Jim was a member of the Pleasant Community Church and the Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study Group.

He was a lifetime resident of Warren PA and graduated from Warren High School in 1959. He graduated from the Indiana State Teacher’s College and then received his Master of Art and Teaching at Miami University of Ohio. Upon graduation, he was hired by the Warren County School District in January 1964. He taught Geography at Beaty Junior High School in Warren and retired after 34 years. For the next 22 years, however, Jim continued as a substitute for the Warren County School District.

He was invited to deliver the graduation speech to the Warren Area High School class of 2012 as well as the class of 2016 after which he retired.

During his teaching career Jim also served as playground supervisor at Warren Memorial Playground. Later Jim became the Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Warren, from which he retired in 2008.

Jim served in various capacities in area churches which included : Youth Director at the First Baptist Church, and the Bethlehem Covenant Church of Warren, Assistant to the Pastor at the North Warren Presbyterian Church and Youth Director at the First Presbyterian Church of Warren.

Jim will be remembered by many couples as the soloist for their wedding. Many will remember him as the guest soloist in their church during the summer. Jim always had an interest in music and joined the Warren Boys Choir which traveled throughout the United States under the direction of Bryan Swanson. During his high school years, Jim joined SPEBSQSA, (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America) Jim was a dual member of the Conewango Clippers of Warren, PA and the Jamestown Harmony Express of Jamestown, N Y. He was a lifetime member of the society and received his 50 years pin at the international convention in 2008. Jim served in various offices in the two chapters and in various capacities within Seneca Land District as well as the District President in 1983. He was also involved at the international level, serving as an International Board Member and served as International President of the Board of Logopedics. He served as a board member of the Institute of Logopedics in Wichita, KS.

Jim was a former member of the Warren Lions Club. He served on various committees in the local club as well as district level. He served as District Governor. Jim and his wife Becky were the first couple in Pennsylvania Lions district 14-F to serve as District Governors. Jim was also instrumental in beginning the Warren Car Show.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, the former Rebecka Anne Swanson, whom he married on June 6, 1964 (and celebrated their 60th Anniversary in June!); his daughter, Lisa Anne Eldridge McPherson (Mike) of Warren, and son John A. Eldridge III also of Warren; his grandchildren, Carly Anne Smith Davies (Dan) of Warren, Twins, Kyle Michael John Eldridge (Jordan) of Jamestown, Kayleigh Marie Pearl Eldridge of Oregon, and Travis J. Smith (Jules) of Hawaii; two great grandchildren, Veda Jade in Oregon and Caden Daniel in Warren; a brother, William of Maine, brother in laws Raymond W. Swanson (Beverly) of Warren, Daniel J. Swanson (Debe) of Rochester NY. and John Moats of Apollo PA several nieces and nephews, as well as several great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Louise Eldridge Moats

In accordance to Jim’s wishes there will be no visitation or service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Community Church, 673 Pleasant Dr., Warren, PA.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.