James “Jim” R. Baney, 85, of State College, passed away Tuesday evening, August 19, 2025, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Mr. Baney was born October 10, 1939, in Bellefonte, Centre County, one of four children to the late Gibson T. Baney and Alice (Grafmyre) Baney.
He was a 1958 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School, and a 1962 graduate of Lock Haven State College. He did graduate work at SUNY at Fredonia, Buffalo, and later Penn State earning a master’s equivalent.
A lifelong educator, he initially started teaching in New York State, and then subsequently began teaching at Williamsburg High School, Williamsburg Pa., where he taught English and reading for 30 years. Additionally, Jim served as Athletic Director for 22 years.
Active in his local, regional, and state education associations, Jim served in several offices of the Williamsburg Education Association, including President, Treasurer, and negotiator.
In 1982, Jim was elected to the Central Region PSEA IPD Council until 1989 and chaired the CR Education Conference. In 1989, he was elected as President of Central Region PSEA and served on the PSEA Board of Directors until 1995. He was a lifetime member of PSEA and the National Education Association and was delegated to the PSEA House of Delegates for 28 years and NEA Representative Assembly for 6 years.
He was also very active in scholastic athletic organizations and served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Juniata Valley League and as Secretary-Treasurer of the Central Pennsylvania Athletic Directors Association.
He retired from Williamsburg in 1996 and then continued to substitute teach for 13 years afterwards.
Jim enjoyed fishing for many years, and also especially his role of “Tour Guy” for friends traveling to the Watkins Glen/Seneca Lake wine country region. Later, he enjoyed the many game nights and birthday dinners with fellow teachers and friends.
He is survived by his husband George McElwee, along with daughters Teri-Jo Scott (Ed), Tami Taylor (Ken), and son David Baney (Leanna), and granddaughters Kailey Rinaldi (Dennis), Kelsey Kunkle (Christian), Marissa Baney, and grandson John Scott, and two great grandchildren. Also survived by ex-wife, Nancy Baney, of North Port, FL.
Preceding him in death were his brothers Cecil Baney (Audrey), Lewis Baney (Janet), and sister Delores.
To commemorate Jim, A Celebration of Life is being planned with details to follow.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., Bellefonte. Online condolences may be made to the family at wetzlerfuneralhome.com