James A. Doan, 64, of 1769 Bucktail Road, St. Marys, passed away Sunday morning, April 29, 2012 at his residence after a lengthy illness.
He was born May 20, 1947 in Little Rock, AR, son of the late Loyce E. and Nanna M. Niesler Doan. He was a graduate of Aviation High School in Redondo Beach, CA and had resided in St. Marys since 1995.
On November 14, 1966 in California, he married Sheryl J. Parsons who survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Lisa Marie (Rickey) Hicks of Portland Mills; a son, Thomas A. Doan and his fiancee Dottie Bryington of Johnsonburg; four grandchildren, Richard Lee Hicks, Joshua James Hicks, Desiree Kathryn Hicks and Summer Ashley Doan; two great grandsons, Christian Lee Hicks and Patrick Wyatt Hicks; a sister, Deborah Slonecker of Arkansas; two brothers, Charles Doan of California and Gary Doan of Arkansas; and by nieces, nephews and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Doan.
James was a Vietnam Veteran serving from 1968-1969 as a Chemical Warfare Specialist attached to the 596th Quarter Master Detachment based out of California. He received the Army Achievement Medal, the Vietnam Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign and the National Defense Service Medal. He is a life member of the Hall-Moore-Starner VFW Post 5887 in Ridgway. After bravely serving this great country, he tirelessly worked for Sparklets/McKesson Corporation as a Refrigeration Specialist, retiring after 24 years of dedicated service. In his spare time, he enjoyed creating, constructing and manufacturing Dune Buggies with his lifelong good friend, Don “Big D” McMillan. He took great pride in taking his family to Glamis, Pismo Beach and the Imperial deserts of California to camp and ride ATVs of his newly created Dune Buggies.
After relocating to Pennsylvania, James worked for MexAmerica Foods and GKN in Emporium for a brief period of time. He then assisted with mower and small engine repairs at Steve’s Mower and Small Engine Repair Shop in St. Marys. He had a wonderful relationship with Steve and his whole family, for which James’ family will be forever grateful.
There will be no visitation.
Funeral services and committal will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Veterans Monuments, PO Box 594, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the Hall-Moore-Starner VFW Post 5887, 117 Main Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.