James Sterling Toothman, 94, of State College, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born November 3, 1915, in Edwardsville, IL, a son of the late Glenn J. R. and Elsie Rees Toothman.
He is survived by his wife Eulene S. Toothman; a daughter Karen Parnes of Holland, PA and a son J. Rees Toothman of Seattle, WN; and four grandchildren.
His early life was spent in West Virginia, where his father was a mining engineer.
During a trip to relative in Washington DC; he had the honor of shaking hands with President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge and an occasion to view the parade for Charles Lindberg and the inauguration for President Hoover. Later, in the early depression days, he permanently lived in Washington, DC, attending evening classes at George Washington University prior to receiving an ensign commission to the U. S. Navy before the U. S. entry into World War II. After training in the first class of fifteen U. S. Navy Officers in the tactical use of radar developed by the British, he served on three aircraft carriers in the three major carrier battles in World War II; The Coral Sea, Midway, and the first battle of the Philippines.
During the last year of World War II, Lieutenant Commander Toothman served as Pacific Fleet Personnel Officer for the Combat Information Center personnel. Following the war, he returned to Washington DC, married, and until the mid1950’s pursued a career in the frozen food industry in the Pacific Northwest. During this time he attended the University of Washington. While working in the Department of Agriculture in Washington DC, in food distribution research, and later in Philadelphia at St. Joseph’s University Academy of Food Marketing, he received a master’s degree in Business Administration from Temple University.
The opportunity arose to accept an associate professorship at the Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agriculture. He served in that capacity from 1968 until his retirement in 1981.
He and his wife traveled extensively and since 2004 enjoyed community life at the Village at Penn State.
His memberships included the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County, the Kiwanis Club and the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He enjoyed a long and interesting life.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County, 780 Waupelani Drive Extension, State College, PA 16801; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.