James Robert Sunderland, Sr.

James Robert Sunderland, Sr., 88, died Sunday at his home after a battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born May 10, 1922, the second son of Samuel Ray and Mabel (Graham) Sunderland. He married Minnie Margaret Leonard on September 5, 1945, after returning from serving in the South Pacific from 1941-1945, serving as a Marine. His parents, older brother, Donald, and wife preceded his death. He is survived by his son, Reverend James R. Sunderland, Jr., of Montoursville, his son, Mark S. Sunderland of Atlanta, and his daughter, Jill L. Sunderland of Altoona, three grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. He was looking forward to his first great-grandchild arriving this June. Mr. Sunderland always lived his life by the Marine code, "Semper Fi"; his companion with that name will miss him deeply. James retired in 1985 after working for Servomation Corporation for 38 years. He had previously worked for Pepsi Bottling Company and The Pennsylvania Railroad. He was a loyal member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Grandview Road, Altoona. He was an avid hunter, especially liking deer and wild turkeys as prey. In fact, his hunting friends named him "Turkey" for particular reasons. James was a thirteen year cancer survivor, and enjoyed the Relay for Life, which he participated in yearly. He loved his wife and family above all things except his Faith. He enjoyed spending the last twelve summer vacations on Tybee Island, Georgia. He enjoyed CNN on television, and watched Two And A Half Men nightly. Like his parents, he had a perfect memory, and shared stories of Homers Gap and Altoona with everyone he met until the day he died. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Friday February 11, 2011, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc, and from 9-10 AM Saturday, February 12, at Asbury United Methodist Church, where a funeral service will be held at 10 AM. Floral arrangements are welcome and are being orchestrated through Warners' Florists of Hollidaysburg, PA. Memorial Contributions can be made to The James R. Sunderland, Sr. Veterans'Memorial Foundation in care of Asbury Church; the funds will go to Veterans of all Services in need.