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James “Jim” Joseph Wiltanger

Member_144553James “Jim” Joseph Wiltanger, 71, of Seneca, died on March 16, 2015 after a courageous three year battle with lung cancer. Jim was born on March 5, 1944 to the late Joseph Michael and Caroline Julia (Bialo) Wiltanger.

He was a graduate of Oil City High School class of 1962. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967, including tours in the Gulf of Tonkin. Following his discharge from the Navy, he was employed by Continental Can Company in Oil City, and then worked for Franklin School District from where he retired.

Jim enjoyed his retirement time spent mostly with his family and grandkids, fishing, hunting, walking, times at Brookville, and family tea times. He loved hunting and fishing and spent many hours helping the Fish Commission stock trout streams for upcoming fishing seasons, enjoying the camaraderie of his many “fishing buddies.” He looked forward to traveling to Maine frequently with Pam Middleton Baughman, with whom he shared his life. He was a loving father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren and they will forever cherish his time spent with them.

He is survived by: Pamela Middleton Baughman; his loving children, Holly (Robert) Finley, Heather (John) Knapp, and Heath (Krys) Westfield. In addition, he was loved by Pamela Baughman’s children, Oren (Sarah) Baughman and Eric Baughman. “Poppi,” as he was affectionately named by his grandkids; he is survived by his grandchildren: Ranger and Walker Finley, Blu, Oak, and Raspberry Knapp, Edward, Gwendolyn, and Everett Westfield, and Ryleigh and Brynna Baughman. He is also survived by Pam’s mother, Pauline Middleton, whom he enjoyed spending time with; and his lifelong friend, Tom Kielbowicz.

Jim is also survived by his brother, Joseph(Deborah)Wiltanger, his sister, Linda(John) Piercy, as well as nieces: Cassandra Woodworth, Kristie(Christopher) Marnelos, Kelli(John) Beuchert, Melissa(Robert) Stark, and nephews: Matthew(Laura)) Wiltanger, Eric(Karen) Wiltanger, Jonathan(Lauri) Piercy, and Benjamin Piercy and their families. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were two brothers, Michael J. Wiltanger, and Thomas(Tim) Wiltanger; nephews , Jeffrey Michael Wiltanger, Michael Joseph Wiltanger; and niece, Julie Renee Piercy.

A blessing service, officiated by the Rev. Justin Pino, will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday (March 19th) at the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township. Military honors accorded by the VETS Honor Guard will follow the service. After the services conclude, a visitation will continue at the funeral home until 7 p.m. A graveside service at Rynd Farm Cemetery will be held by his family at a later date.

Jim has requested that memorial contributions be made to: Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505; or to the VNA Hospice Foundation, 491 Allegheny Boulevard, Franklin, PA 16323.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.hilebest.com.

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