James Clayton Kingston, 72, of Warren, PA. died peacefully surrounded by his family, Monday afternoon, March 23, 2020.
James was born October 7, 1947 in Meadville, PA. He was the son of Joseph R. and Norma L. Fuller Kingston. James was a 1965 graduate of Conneaut Valley High School and Gale Institute of Airline Training. In 1975 he earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Edinboro State University and attended grad school at Indiana University of Pennsylvania till 1979. James was a Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force and was a Nuclear Weapons Specialist from 1966 to 1970. He was employed with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as assistant manager, retiring in 2008.
He was a member of the Conneautville American Legion Post 615 and the Warren Moose Lodge 109. James was of the Protestant Faith. He is remembered as a great dad who loved his family, hunting, fishing, camping and watching his children play sports. He loved his 6 grandchildren. A Man who was honest, loved people and good conversation and wasn’t judgmental. He was a great writer and deep thinker. He loved education, music, poetry and cowboy hats. He had a style of his own. He loved showing people “Floyd the rattlesnake.” He would do just about anything to help those in need. He enjoyed the Arts, Travel and Adventure.
James is survived by his wife, Paula M. Vanek Kingston whom he married November 18, 1978, 3 Children – Dr. Jacob S. Kingston and wife, Holly, Samuel J. Kingston and wife, Jamie, Sarah M. Kingston Gartland and husband, Ben, 6 Grandchildren- Scarlett, Sylvie, Graham, Annie, Roman and Addison, 1 Brother -Jeffrey R. Kingston and wife, Marylynn, 1 Sister – Jolene M. Kingston, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 Brother – Jerald L. Kingston.
Due to current restrictions with the Corona Virus, there will be no visitation observed and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Warren, PA.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA. 16505.
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/> The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
May Jim rest in peace after laboring hard all his life. At Penn DOT,Jim always got involved in any problems,but yet maintained his smile and friendly jestures.
Paula, Jake, Sam, and Sarah
We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a good neighbor and always ready with well wishes, amazing stories, and a deep conversation no matter what the subject. He never passed our house without stopping for a chat. His presence will be profoundly missed,
Deepest sympathies to Paula & family.. Jim will be missed on Cedar St & will miss him walking down the street & always ready for a chat …he was an unique guy & always had a smile … loved the kids & so enjoyed them & whatever sport they did …. RIP Jim …. you will be missed
My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. To Jake and Sammy your dad was a great supporter and loved sports. He always kept me abreast of your current life and accomplishments. I will miss our in depth conversations. May god be with you and your families at this time of sorrow
I am so sorry for your loss. Having worked with Jim for his time at PennDOT, we shared many conversations together. One thing Jim always talked about was his love for his family! He couldn’t have been more excited and proud! You kids were his world and gave him much to be proud of! Again, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Paula and family. And what a family. You must be so proud of yours and Jim’s accomplishment of raising a beautiful family. A job well done. The mayor of Cedar St will be truly missed
My heartfelt condolences to Paula and the Kingston family. I graduated with Jerry in 1970 and remembered how he loved and respected Jimmy deeply. Many may not know that Jimmy was quite a high school baseball player on one of the best baseball teams that Conneaut Valley ever fielded. Jimmy pitched for our summer baseball team for one year. I remember one particular game when about every 5th batter Jimmy would ‘plunk’ the hitter. Jimmy had wonderful control so I asked him why. He said the inside part of the plate was his. But did you hit him on purpose? With a twinkle in his eye, Jimmy responded: “a pitcher never tells a hitter if it was an accident or on purpose”. That was Jim Kingston.
My sympathies and condolences to the Kingston family. Jake, I have fun and fond memories of your Dad. He always had something both profound and funny to stay to us. I appreciated his encouragement during all our athletic endeavors. Hope you are well friend.
Our deepest sympathy …… The Lucas Family
Paula, Jake, Sam, and Sarah – Sympathy from our family to yours. Jim — really all of you — were such a part of the life of everyone who played soccer at the time that any of you were playing! For the Snyder/Stout family, our memories of sharing soccer games with you, listening to your Dad’s advice to anyone on any of your teams, but especially to you, was one of the special parts of every game, as (during our time) was buying whatever Sarah was vending to support the team. Life can get complicated, and it is so sad that Jim’s end comes at this strange time, but please know that all of you are in our hearts with such happy memories of times past.
Paula, Jake, Sam, and Sarah, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all in this time of sorrow. May you be comforted by the many memories you have of your husband and father.