James W. Rote, Sr., 85, of Julian, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at home. A son of the late William K. and Marjorie M. (King) Rote, James was born on August 28, 1928, in Bellefonte. He was married to the former Sandra Johnson (married October 2, 1971), who survives at home. His previous wife, Shirley Moyer, resides in Arizona.
He was a 1948 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. He had attended the Coleville Wesleyan Church where he played the accordion. He served in the U.S. Air Force, from 1948-1952, during the Korean Conflict. For his service he received the Good Conduct Medal. Before retiring James worked as a draftsman.
In his spare time, he enjoyed his two airplanes that he built and flew out of the Julian Gliderport and Bellefonte Airport. He loved working outdoors, and enjoyed all kinds of woodworking. He spent many hours working on his Fill-It-In puzzles. He loved hearing songs and playing them on his organ, but most of all James enjoyed spending time with his family.
Along with his wife, Sandra, James is survived by four daughters; Robin Rote and her companion Thomas Meek of Bellefonte, Jennifer Rote and her companion Philip Holt of Port Matilda, Amy Mauk and her husband Timothy of Mingoville, Darlene Depto and her husband Daron of State College, one sister, Lillian Wilson and her husband Gaylord of Coleville, five grandchildren; Chad Rearick and his wife Crystal, Tanya Fink and her husband Matt, Ian Yatchik, Austin Mauk and Ella Mauk.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by an infant brother, a son, James W. Rote, Jr., and a sister, Eileen Lee.
A public visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014, 6-8 PM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte, PA. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 11:00am at the funeral home, with Reverend Bo King officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Bellefonte.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com