James "Scratch" Svehla, 96, of Blairsville, PA passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, Latrobe, PA. The son of James V. and Maria (Krupa) Svehla, he was born June 8, 1917 in Onancock, VA. Jim was a member of the Blairsville United Presbyterian Church, B.P.O.E. #406, Blairsville, and the Derry Rod & Gun Club. He worked for 39 years as a grinder for Derry Westinghouse, retiring in 1980. Jim was known for having a beautiful garden and giving vegetables to his friends and neighbors. Surviving are his son, Jerry J. Svehla (Valinda) of Derry; three grandchildren, Chad Svehla (Laurie); Joel Svehla (Kara) and Neal Svehla; five great grandchildren, Evan, Kaylie, Allen, Caitlyn and Jack; and a sister, Irene Klim (George) of Las Cruces, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gwendolyn G. (Gilmore) Svehla on June 21, 2002; a brother, Charles Svehla and two sisters, Beatrice Crilley and Mildred Demine. As per Jim's wishes, there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday in the United Presbyterian Church, 137 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA with Rev. Timothy R. Monroe officiating. Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.
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