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James ''Jim'' Vincent Scahill, III

James "Jim" Vincent Scahill, III, 74 of Kittanning passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

He was born on June 17, 1947 to James J. Scahill and Mary Elizabeth (Henderson) Scahill in Kansas City, MO.

Jim graduated from Kittanning Senior High School in 1965 before attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning degrees in both Secondary Education/English and Accounting as well as playing for the IUP football team. He joined the United States Army and proudly served in the Vietnam War as part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

He spent fifteen years working as a lobbyist for the Pennsylvania Coal Association. In 1989, he found a calling for public service and in 1991, he was elected Armstrong County Commissioner. For twenty years, he served his local communities at many different levels including County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (President) and National Association of Counties. He was also instrumental in work with veterans through various organizations including the PA Hero Walk. His love and dedication to both his country and his county were truly unmatched.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Elks B.P.O.E. 203 (PDDGER), VFW, American Legion Post 0122, Republican Party, NRA, Eagles, Men's Club, and #4 Firehall. After his heart attack in 1999, he became extremely involved in the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. He was an avid outdoorsman with a love for hunting, fishing, boating, golfing and camping. He loved reading and reenacting history as well as supporting Santa Claus throughout the community for 40 years. Jim was social by nature; he loved people and loved to entertain through wine-making and cooking. He is well-known for many famous dishes included, but not limited to monkey meat. In retirement, he found joy in spending time with his grandchildren and being the "on-call emergency baby-sitter."

He is survived by his wife, Audrey (Snyder) Scahill of 42 years, his children: Erin (Michael) Kidder of Cowansville, James (Stefanie) Scahill of Kittanning, John J. Scahill of Kittanning, and Katherine (Brent) Ulisky of Grove City, and his grandchildren: Ava Kidder, Finnley Kidder, Porter Ulisky, Hudson Kidder, Audrey Ulisky, and Willow Scahill. Jim is also survived by his nephew, David (Karen) Shellenberger of Douglassville, great nieces, Faith and Natalie Shellenberger, brother-in-law, Melvin Snyder, many cousins, and close friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Scahill, his in-laws, John and Mabel Snyder, his sister and brother-in-law, Russell and Mary Ellen Shellenberger, and his nephew, Michael Shellenberger.

Relatives and friends will be received at Grace Presbyterian Church, 155 N. Jefferson St. Kittanning, PA 16201 for visitation on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 and Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at Grace Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 24, 2021 with Rev. Dana Wilmot officiating. The private family interment will take place immediately following the service at the Kittanning Cemetery where military honors will be presented by the American Legion Honor Guard.

One of Jim's final wishes was to have all of his friends and family celebrate his life. This event is planned for Friday, July 16th from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Kittanning Elks.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Jim's honor to PA Hero Walk P.O. Box 343, Kittanning, PA 16201.

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