James Space

James R. Space, age 66, of East Springfield, died Monday, April 1, 2013, at St. Vincent Health Center, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. Born August 9, 1946, in Brookville, PA, he was a son of the late James L. and Mildred I. Wagner Space.

Jim was a 1965 graduate of Harborcreek High School and then joined the US Navy where he served on the USS Little Rock. He was a certified welder and was employed at GE for over 33 years. Jim was a member of the NRA, a lifetime member of VFW #470, Girard American Legion Post 494, and the National Little Rock Association. He enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, canning and loved being outside and sitting and visiting around a campfire. Jim was a diehard Ford fan and liked to restore classic cars and trucks. He especially liked to have breakfast with his buddies on Thursday and Sunday mornings. Jim loved spending time with friends and family and dearly loved time spent with his two grandchildren. He will be remembered for his big heart and willingness to always lend a helping hand.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Linda L. Banfield Space, in 1993, and his coffee-drinking buddy Rick Grenz. He is survived by his wife Linda I. Witherow Space, a daughter, Donna McNeish and her husband Michael of Albion, a son, Jimmy Space and his wife Lisa of Springboro, a brother, Joe Space and his wife Karalee of Harborcreek, a sister, Evelyn Kensill and her husband Harvey of Erie, two grandchildren, Samantha Rae McNeish and Dylan James McNeish, his close friend and second father, Ralph Hovis, his dear friend and cousin, Sam Space, his beloved dog, Cuddles, many nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and family members. He is further survived by his first wife's family, the Williams and Banfield families of Conneaut, OH.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to his nurse, Chris, at Golden Living Western Reserve, as well as the St. Vincent ICU nurses, especially Bridget, Judy, Andrea and Justin. Also a special thank you to Sherrie who took extra care of us. The family will be forever grateful for the outpouring of love and affection from friends and family over the past few weeks.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East in Girard on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service there on Friday at 11 a.m. in the All Faiths Chapel with Rev. LeRoy Learn officiating. Burial will follow at Springfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511. You may send flowers and condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.