James E. Shay Jr.

James E. Shay Jr., 49, Altoona, died Wednesday at Altoona Regional Health System, Bon Secours Hospital Campus. He was born in Altoona, son of Martha (Light) Shay and the late James E. Shay Sr. Surviving are his mother of Altoona; his fiancee, Peggie Keim, of Youngstown; two brothers: Mark and wife, Susan, of Hollidaysburg and Richard and wife, Frances, of Hagerstown, Md.; four nieces: Ashley, Krista, Sydney and Taylor; and two nephews: Benjamin and Jared. James was a 1979 graduate of Altoona Area High School and a current student at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He had worked as a salesman at Shirley's Shoes and Fine's Clothing and at Hardee's Restaurant. He was a member of Faith United Church of Christ, where he belonged to the choir and the consistory. James had been the recipient of a kidney and pancreas transplant. He enjoyed woodworking and being on his computer. He was actively social and enjoyed people. Friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, and 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata (www.maukandyates.com), where a funeral service will be held at noon Monday, the Rev. John Emig officiating. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund or Faith United Church of Christ.