James “Jim” Elliott Nesmith, Sr. passed away at the Rouse Home in Youngsville, PA, on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the age of 89 as a result of age related illnesses. He had resided in Russell, PA for most of his life. James was born in Corry, PA on December 30, 1929 to Osro “Red” Nesmith and Romina Kelley Nesmith, who preceded him in death. He was raised by his grandparents, Willard and Genevieve Kelley. He attended Russell schools before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1946. Following his military service, he graduated from the Warren Business School utilizing benefits from the GI Bill.
On June 3, 1951 James married Phyllis Armitage in Corry, PA, a union that lasted 68 years, until his death. He worked a variety of jobs, including an estimator for the former Struthers Wells Corporation, until founding the Nesmith Insurance Agency in 1961. He successfully owned and operated the agency until his retirement in 2001, having received numerous awards for his performance. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed and was an accomplished roller skater as well as a licensed pilot who owned and flew single engine planes for a number of years. He was also a fan of country music and practical jokes, having a penchant for poorly disguising his voice (in spite of his best efforts) to the amusement of many who were close to him. He was a member of the Russell United Methodist Church.
James is survived by his wife, Phyllis Armitage Nesmith of Russell, his daughter, Katherine Nesmith Irwin (and husband, Edwin) also of Russell, a son, James Nesmith, Jr. (and wife Deborah) of Tallahassee, FL, grandchildren, James Irwin, Sarah Irwin Frederick (and husband, Jamie), Jefferson, Danielle, and Andrew Nesmith, great-grandchildren, Isaac and Selah Irwin and RJ and Alex Frederick. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 3 p.m. at the Russell United Methodist Church on Main St. in Russell. 
There will be no burial as James was cremated at the wishes of the family, with arrangements handled by the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Warren, PA.
James will be dearly missed by his family and friends but will be at peace with the Lord. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, the Russell United Methodist Church, or a charity of choice
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com