James R. Sanderson

SANDERSON—James R., 84, Richland Township, passed from this life surrounded by his family on August 24, 2021, at Richland Woods. Born on September 1, 1936, in Richland Township son of Joseph T. and Effie (Berg) Sanderson. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Elizabeth A. (Semanak) Sanderson; son, Richard B. Sanderson, brother, Eugene Sanderson and nephews, Joseph Sanderson and Matthew Eves. Survived by Dr. David (Erin) Sanderson, St. Marys, Stephen Sanderson, Winston-Salem, NC and Douglas Sanderson, St. Marys; grandchildren, Michael (Abigail) Sanderson and Mitchell Sanderson, Rourke, Dara, Dana and Andrew Sanderson; great-granddaughter, Molly Sanderson. Sisters, Elaine Slagle and Linda Eves; nieces and nephews, Elaine Ruparcic, with whom he resided along with great-nieces, Micaela and Miranda, Sherie Lukanen, Karen Cooney, Beth Ann Geddes and Susan Kerns, David and Greg Eves. 1954 Graduate of Richland High School. US Air Force veteran. 1962 Graduate of Slippery Rock Teacher’s College and received his Master’s Degree in Elementary Administration from Duquesne University. James worked for 30 years as a School Teacher in the Penn Hills School District in Pittsburgh. He was a member of Kiwanis, Penn Hills Service Association, American Legion and was involved with Boy Scouting. He was also an avid hunter and he raised Beagles for hunting. He was an incredible man and any person who knew him would be blessed. He will be greatly missed. A very special thanks to Senior Life and especially Richland Woods for the phenomenal care and compassion they gave to him. Many thanks also to Heartland Hospice for helping us in our final hours. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 3 p.m. Monday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with Pastor Wes Yoder, officiating. Entombment, Mt. Hope Cemetery, Penn Hills. The family suggests memorial contributions to Richland Woods, 3324 Elton Road, Johnstown, PA 15904 or Heartland Hospice, 999 Eisenhower Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15904 in memory of James R. Sanderson. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.