James L. Armitage, 86, of Columbus, OH formerly of Steubenville died Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was born in Steubenville on July 16, 1922 the son of the late James R. and Leona M. Artman Armitage. He attended Steubenville City Schools and graduated from Follansbee High School in 1940 and also attended the College of Steubenville. He began his working career at Weirton Steel Company in 1940, but left there in 1942 to enlist in the U.S. Army, serving until 1946, with overseas service in the Pacific Theater of Operations. An avid photographer, James was associated with Nosset Studios in Steubenville until 1948. In 1948 he returned to Weirton Steel, working until his retirement in 1982 as Director of Personnel Systems. He served 19 years in the Labor Relations Department. James was a member of the former LaBelle View Methodist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher, certified lay speaker and choir director for over 13 years. He later became a member of Wintersville United Methodist Church. James was a musician who studied violin, trumpet and sang bass with the Civic Choral Society and Stanton Community Chorus. He was past master of Steubenville Lodge 45, F&AM, where he served as worshipful master in 1962 and he was district deputy grand master of the 24th Masonic District from 1965 through 1967 and from 1968 through 1970, he served as District Education Officer of the 24th Masonic District. He received the degrees in the Valley of Steubenville in April 1953 and the 33rd degree in 1983 in Milwaukee, WI. He served as Secretary of Scottish Rite of the Valley of Steubenville. He was also active in the York Rite, being a member of Ohio Priory No. 18, KYCH, Holyrood Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Scotland; Union Chapter No. 15, RAM; Union Council No 2, R&SM; and Steubenville Commandery No 11, Knights Templar. His community service included terms as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Steubenville Salvation Army and the Jefferson County Red Cross Board of Directors. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Union Cemetery Association of Steubenville and treasurer of the Union Cemetery for over 10 years. Member of the Steubenville Rotary. He was a dedicated follower of the Steubenville High School Big Red Football Team. He is survived by his wife of 64 years the former Betty J. Higgins, whom he married February 21, 1945 at Base Chapel, Stinson Army Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX; son Brian J. Armitage (wife Tatiana I. Arefina-Armitage) of Columbus, OH; daughters Janine L. Bartram of Morgantown, WV and Karen S. (Vince) Boggia of Olathe, KS. Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville on Sunday from 1-3 and 6-8p.m. On Monday friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Clint Quillen officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery. Masonic services 7p.m. Sunday, immediately followed by Scottish Rite Ring Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Ohio Masonic Home, Five Masonic Dr., Springfield, OH 45504-3658; Salvation Army or American Red Cross, Jefferson County Chapter.
09/03/2024
Emila DiGregory
Betty, I use to baby sit for your children when you lived in Steubenville by the Greenhouse. We lives right next to the Greenhouse. I am truly sorry for your loss. I liked your husband. He was a nice man. May the Lord comfort you and the family through this difficult time. God Bless.
09/03/2024
Martha (Marti) Anderson
Janine: My sincere and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your father. Please know that you, your mother, brother, sister and sister-in-law are in my prayers as you grieve the loss and celebrate the life of the man who meant so much to each of you. God bless you and comfort you. Love, Marti
09/03/2024
David D''Anniballe
Betty, Karen and Family, I am very sorry to hear of Jim's death. Jim was a big help to me in Rotary while I was president several years ago.I was also pleased that he came to me for his income taxes. I'm sorry that I missed his services as I was out of town that weekend. I'm sure that you were very proud of your husband and your Father.
09/03/2024
Linda Deming
I was saddened when I heard about Jim passing. I am glad I had a chance to "go fishing" with him and you, Betty, when I was in Steubenville before you moved. My sympathy to the entire family.
09/03/2024
Yvonne Nye
Dear Karen and family, We're so sorry to hear of your lose. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Yvonne and Dick
09/03/2024
Patty Knowles Liebscher
Dear Karen and family, Your dad was a wonderful man and a great neighbor to our family. I know my mother and father were so grateful to have such nice next door neighbors for over 35 years. It was truly a blessing for all of us to know Jim and we send you our love and thoughts at this time. He was funny and fun and I miss his smile and cheery hello. I hope he is happy and at peace with the Lord now. Love, Patty
09/03/2024
June Ruff Leasure
Janine, please accept my sympathies. I have found out that even at our age, it is very difficult to lose a parent. Focus on the wonderful memories. Receive the comfort that only the Lord is able to give. June
09/03/2024
Jo Ellen Kelly
Dear Betty, Karen, Janine and Brian, I Just read in the Herald Star Online of Jim's passing. I am so very sorry! My entire family and prayer partner, Sue, have been praying for ALL of you, eversince I got Karen's email, after arriving back in Columbus. I Loved Jim's sense of humor and he Always had that "sunny smile" for everyone! May God send an Angel of Comfort for your hearts and homes during this most difficult time. I am so very sorry that I can't be there to give All of you a "Group Hug!" I will continue to keep you in my heartfelt prayers and PLEASE let me know if I can do Anything for you! Your "old friends next door" have Never Forgotten any of your family members. Betty, my Aunt Doll dearly loved you and thought the world of you and Jim as a couple. He's in "good hands," until you reunite one day! They're probably discussing which dog will make The Best Pet for the heavenly neighborhood! All My Love and Special Thoughts, Jo Ellen and Jack
09/03/2024
Janet Amick
I am so sorry to hear about your husband Jim. May our Lord fill your heart with hope and comfort during this difficult time. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16 Janet Amick
09/03/2024
Rich & Joy Amick
Betty we are sorry to here of Jim's passing. May God's peace be with you and your family. Rich & Joy
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