James B. Rearick, 76, of Bellefonte, formerly of Millheim, passed away, June 5, 2025, at his residence after losing a hard-fought battle with cancer. James is the son of the late Lewis L. and Lois L. (Grove) Rearick. He was a 1966 graduate of Penns Valley High School.
Jim was a man who wore many “hats”. He helped his father on the family farm for fifty years, worked at Hosterman and Stover hardware, and finally opened his own cleaning business, Clean and Clear. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed planting and maintaining flower beds at the mobile home park where he lived. In late summer he would attend Grange Fair to renew acquaintances with family and friends.
Jim was an accomplished organist of sixty years. He began playing at the age of fifteen. Some of the church’s where he played the longest include St. John’s Lutheran Church in Millheim, St. John’s Union Church in Farmers Mills, Trinity Lutheran Church in State College, United Methodist Church in Pleasant Gap and most recently, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pine Grove Mills. He played the organ for many weddings as well as concerts. He was a member of the American Guild of Organist’s.
Jim is survived by his spouse Brian K. Woodland: three daughters, Michelle Snare (Rick) of Huntingdon, Briana Woodland of Portland, OR and Chelsea Woodland of Bellefonte: one son, Michael Rearick (Nichole) of Aaronsburg and five siblings, Ralph L. Rearick, Kim I Bonner (Chuck), Kay M. Trostle (Kevin), and Amy J. Bowersox (Candy Yekel). Also surviving is his former wife and still his friend, Sue Rearick Bopp.
At the request of the family there will be a celebration of life announced at a later date, with Pastor Paul Tomkiel officiating. Jim will be laid to rest at Farmers Mills Union Cemetery. Contributions can be given to Centre County Paws, or to the American Guild of Organist’s. If you choose the Guild, please make sure you specify “State College Chapter” on the memo line.