Obituary of James J. Long

Long, James J. Jr. 81, of West Chester, formerly of Ebensburg and Barnesboro, died January 31, 2006 at Chester County Hospital, West Chester. Born December 7, 1924 in Spangler, son of James J. Sr. and Madge (Miller) Long. Preceded in death by parents, son Jeff and sister Mildred Biaggi. Survived by wife former Kathryn "Susie" Kimball, daughter Terry of Pembroke Pines, FL; step-children Ray Dandrea and Lea Dandrea, both of West Chester; Rick Dandrea, Allison Park; Bob Dandrea, Doylestown; Joel Dandrea, Haymarket, VA; Jack Dandrea, Mt. Lebanon; and Brenda Herzog, Phoenixville. Also survived by 12 grandchildren. 1942 Graduate of Spangler High School. Army Air Force Veteran of WWII, where he piloted seventeen bombing sorties from England into Germany for the 80th Division. Upon discharge, First Lt. Long was awarded three battle stars including the Oak Leaf Cluster. After returning home he entered the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he was awarded Highest Honors at graduation in 1949. Jim was employed with his father at Long Funeral Home in Barnesboro. Married first wife Dorothy Gunsaullus in 1946. He was a member of National Selected Morticians, Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Assoc., and Keystone Funeral Directors Assoc. Co-founder of Management Systems (presently Microdata Systems) of Huntington. Charter and life member of Cambrian Hills Golf Club. Charter member of NORCAM, Barnesboro Businessmen's Assoc. and Kiwanis Club of Barnesboro. Member of original Barnesboro Pentagon Development. Served on the Cambria County Planning Commission. Independent Agent for the Long Insurance Agency later named the Barnesboro Insurance Exchange. Long time member of the North Barnesboro Cemetery Assoc. Member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Northern Cambria. Retired from Long Funeral Home in 1991. "Jimmy" was remarried to Kathryn "Susie" Kimball in 1984 and relocated to Chester County after his retirement, moving into Hershey's Mill where he spent many hours quietly woodworking and cooking for family get togethers. An avid fisherman, he spent much of his last decade fishing and enjoying the retreat to New Smyrna Beach, Florida with his wife and family during the winter months. Fishing was a big part of his life and his greatest hobby up until 2004. Friends received from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Long-Contres Funeral Home, Inc., Northern Cambria, Rev. Marty Cartmell, where Military rites will be conducted by local Veterans Orgs. Interment North Barnesboro Cemetery. Family requests that memorial contributions be sent to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church c/o Rev. Marty Cartmell, 1006 Chestnut Ave. Northern Cambria, Pa, 15714, or American Cancer Society, 351 Budfield St., Johnstown, Pa 15904