Obituary: James R. Stricklin

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[James R. Stricklin, 72, passed away at 6:16 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Harrisburg.

He was born on June 17, 1939, in the Somerset community in Harrisburg to the late Arthur L. and Frances (Butler) Stricklin. On June 25, 1960, he married Judith Ann Irwin, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 15, 2001.

James was a UMWA coal miner; he worked for Sahara, Amax Delta Coal Companies. He was a member of the Ainad Shrine of Harrisburg. He enjoyed cattle farming, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was a member of Saline Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.

Surviving family members include his daughter, Julie Beal and husband Brian of Harrisburg; granddaughter, Carsen Beal; grandson, Javier Beal; sister, Mary Litton; and husband Harold of Felton, Del.; two brothers, Gerald "Chub" Stricklin of Galatia and Charles "Fuzz" Stricklin and wife Robin of Galatia; sister-in-law, Joann Brooks of Galatia; three brothers-in-law, Jack Irwin and wife Donna of Harrisburg, Joe Irwin and wife Janet of Harrisburg and Frank Irwin of Eldorado; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy; son, James David Stricklin; brother, Lyman Stricklin; sister, Carolyn Sue Stricklin; and three sisters-in-law, Pattie Irwin, Lucy Shaffer and Dorothy Boyd.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The Rev. David Gilley will officiate. Burial will follow in Pierson Cemetery in Harrisburg. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2011, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at the Internet site of www.reedfuneralchapel.com