Dr. James E. Devorick, 84, June 30, 2017, at Windber Hospice. Born April 28, 1933, in Johnstown, son of John Paul and Zelma Pearl (Stephens) Devorick.
As an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, he served Faith EUB Church in Altoona, First United Methodist Church, Bowserdale United Methodist Church, Garfield Street United Methodist Church, Trinity Asbury United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, St. John's Church of Christ and First Christian Church, Johnstown. He ministered to special needs of anyone in need, particularly those in Vine Street and Conners Towers. He never refused a request from anyone that he could fulfill. Member of First United Methodist Church, Johnstown.
Preceded in death by wife, Lois (Hanson) Devorick; parents; sister, Elizabeth; brothers, William and John; and brother-in-law, John "Jack" Hanson, married to Catherine Hanson. Survived by children, Debra Soliday, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; James Jr., Johnstown; Sandra, married to Dan Schutte, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; and Dennis, Conway, S.C.; grandchildren, Jason Kinol, Amber Hoffman (Jason), Erin Brickhouse (Tim), Heather Schutte (engaged to Caleb Cain), Stephanie Lauffer (Jonathan), Ashley Devorick (engaged to Shane Murphy), Bethany Devorick, Holly Devorick, James Slentz II and Amy Watson; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Soliday, Noah and Peyton Hoffman, Connor Davis, Lydia Devorick, Isaac Slentz, Taylor Watson, Katelyn Watson, James E. Slentz and Albany Slentz.
He served in the Air Force during Korean Conflict with 313th Fighter Squadron. He was released for special duty to train special instructors at the University of the Ryukus, Okinawa; Sasabo NB, Nagoya AFB, Yokuska NB, Yokohama NB; Subic Bay, Clark Air Force Base, and Manila, The Philippines; Tachikawa, Johnson AFB, Yakota AF, Gifu, Meiji University, University of Tokyo, Japan; Taiwan, Taipai; and numerous other Far East Countries.
He was a 1951 graduate of Johnstown High, and graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor of science degree and the University of Pittsburgh with a master's degree in education and doctor of philosophy in educational administration. He taught at Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Greater Johnstown School District. He served as supervisor of health and physical education in Greater Johnstown School District, assistant principal at Johnstown High and Garfield Jr. High, principal of Joseph Johns Jr. High, Cochran Jr. High, Conemaugh Valley and Ferndale Area High Schools and Alternative High School Johnstown.
He served as recreation instructor, recreation supervisor, vocational training director, night administrator and director of student life at Pennsylvania State Rehabilitation Center. He served as assistant physical director, physical director, Boys Work secretary and Camp Reynolds and director of Johnstown YMCA. He served as executive director of Bellefonte YMCA. Partner with Art Mack as co-owners of Levy's Sport Store. Partner with Tom Hammerle as co-owners of His Shoppe.