James Bradley Mechling

James Bradley Mechling, 85, of Kittanning, beloved husband for 65 years to Doris Jean (Emery) passed with family by his side on Sunday, Jan. 20,2019, at ACMH Hospital.  Jim was the son of Kelly and Maria (Hodgson) Mechling.  He was an alumnus of Kittanning High School and served his country during the Korean War with tours abroad, earning second place in all of Europe, while representing Company M, as an expert rifleman.  He was president of Laborer’s Local 952 and a 50-year member.  Jim enjoyed trips to Seneca and Potter County. He was an accomplished hunter and fisherman, having taken several trophies during the past 73 years. He cherished time with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, whom he married at Circleville Methodist Church in 1953, he is survived by two daughters, Kathie Cloak (Brett), of Kittanning, and Leslie Mechling (Dan), of Rural Valley. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Bethany Simmons Algayer (Jeff) with daughters, Phoebe Iris Algayer and Piper Rose Algayer, of Hatfield, Pa. and Kelly Simmons Marquis (Alvin) with daughter, Skyla Reese, of Gilbertsville, Pa. One sister, Peggy Calano, of Kittanning, also survives, as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Kimberly Simmons (Rick); four sisters, Nellie Cogley, Lois Hill, Salome Sheasley, and Maud Crawford; and one brother, Kelly Mechling, as well as his parents.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, from 2-6 p.m. at Kennedy & Blodgett Funeral Home, 253 N. Grant Ave, Kittanning. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with additional visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, with Pastor Nick Wilson officiating. Interment will be in the Kittanning Cemetery.

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