Obituary of James Bechdel, 20

James A. Bechdel, 20 of Monument, went to be with his "Pap" in Heaven on Thursday, August 16, 2012, following a traffic accident and after a short life of loving his family and his many friends in the extended communities of Beech Creek and Monument.

A son of Rich and Sandy Bechdel of Monument, Jimmy was born February 28, 1992 at Lock Haven Hospital.

From a very young age, Jimmy had a sparkle and a swagger, a special presence that inspired so many. He lit up the room with his humor and his smile. He loved his family and friends and he loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, at every chance he could get.

He knew the mountains of Beech Creek-Monument like the back of his hand, growing up in a close knit community surrounded by family and friends.

Jimmy's love of the outdoors came from his dad, Rich, and his late "Pap" Hanley, who died a few years ago. He especially loved hunting with his brother; Rickie. He would alsways take his brother and his cousins Connor, Bailey, and Danian into the outdoors to hunt, fish, or just ride. He treasured his family and he would always pick on his mom, whom he loved so dearly.

Jimmy also loved to ride his motorcycle, and he frequently gathered with close friends and family to go mountain riding and "mudding".

He would do most anything for his family and friends. Jimmy was often called the "funny guy" and the "tough guy" by his friends. To all who knew Jimmy, he was a special young guy someone who while showing a tough exterior was compassionate and caring.

Jimmy worked in the outdoors for Lewis Tree Service Inc., cutting trees around power lines across Pennsylvania. He was handy with a chainsaw and other cutting tools and loved to climb trees.

His favorite movies were "August Rush," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Fox and the Hound". He also loved country music and had a large array of songs on his IPOD. Jimmy was also loved visiting the Beech Creek Furst Restaurant owned by his great aunt, Donna Bittner.

He was a 2010 graduate of Central Mountain High School, and played football for the Wildcats. He especially enjoyed his recreation and environmental science class at CHMS, learning about the outdoors.

Surviving, besides his parents and brother, are his "gram" Jean Hanley of Monument; Joy Falls his grandmother of Marsh Creek, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom all loved him very much. Jimmy's "Pap" was his hero, and always felt his "Pap" was looking out for him, and now, Jimmy is with his "Pap" and together, they're "Invictus."

Jimmy will be missed but remembered always with great love.

Friends and family are invited to remember Jimmy at a special Memorial/Dinner Monday, August 20, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in Beech Creek at the Ladies Auxillary Building (behind the fire-hall) with the Rev. ALan S. Eckenroad officiating a small service.