James A. Hoffman Sr.

James Anthony Hoffman, 52, of Knox walked into the arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior Tuesday morning, November 12, 2013.

He was born January 17, 1961 in Bridgeton, NJ, a beloved son of the late Albert and Barbara Hoffman Kennedy.

On July 7, 2006 he married the love of his life Bonnie Crate, who survives. The Hoffman’s are part of the New Hope Community Church family in Strattanville where they participate in Sunday services and mid-week prayer services.

Mr. Hoffman loved God and Country and wore the red, white, and blue colors proudly. From 1978 to 1981 he served in the US Army during the Carter administration and was prepared to assist with freeing the hostages in Iran.

In Mr. Hoffman’s early years he worked for Quaker City Tree service clearing right-of-ways for the power company in New Jersey. Later he was employed at the Bridgeton Hospital as an assistant in the morgue and later as a security guard. He became disabled in 1998 and moved to Pennsylvania in 2004.

He enjoyed sharing Jesus with everyone he met and spending time with his children and granddaughters. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool, and wrestling. He taught his son Jimbo wrestling moves and was so proud to see him become an MMA fighter. He also enjoyed going fishing with stepson Alex and cousin Kevin Hughes.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons, James (Jimbo) Hoffman Jr. and his wife Valorie of Malaga, NJ, stepsons Alex Beightol at home, and Marc Hanna of New Jersey. He is survived by two daughters, Ashley Hoffman of Millville, NJ and stepdaughter Alison Beightol of Cooperstown. Two granddaughters, Khloe and Olivia both of New Jersey.

Also surviving is a sister, Valrea Hoffman and her companion Jimmy Hayes of Marble. Parent in-laws Joseph and Judy Crate of Venus, brother and sister in-laws: Joseph (Tony) & Kathy Crate, Sandra & Michael Beary, and Travis and Julie Crate. Godmother Caroline Jagielski of Venus, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Edward Kennedy.

Friends may call Thursday, November 14, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Faller’s Funeral Home in Fryburg.

A celebration of life service will be held at the New Hope Community Church on Friday, November 15th at 11:00 a.m. Followed by a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Hope Community Church, 15870 Route 322 East, Clarion, 16214 or the Shippenville/Elk Volunteer Fire Department.

Please visit www.fallerfuneralhome.com to share your memories and photos and offer your condolences.

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