New Bethlehem resident James Parks Gourley served his country in the United States Army.
Name: James Parks Gourley
Born: October 5, 1925
Died: September 27, 2016
Hometown: New Bethlehem, Pa.
Branch: U.S. Army
Gourley served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, seeing action in the European Theater with General Patton’s 3rd Army, 94th Infantry Division. Gourley receiving two Purple Hearts for injuries he sustained.
When Gourley returned from the war, he married his wife, Fern, and became active in business and civic groups. He was a father to four sons, including Keith, who recently wrote a book about his experiences while piloting hot air balloons.
Gourley Meat Packing Company was Jim’s livelihood for 60 years. He led the company in growing to more than 20 full-time employees. He had a strong faith in God and was also known as a Gideon and enjoyed handing out Bibles wherever he was allowed. He really loved going to the New Bethlehem men’s prayer breakfast and had been going there since it started 25 years ago.
He served on numerous boards and committees, raising money for many organizations. Always helping others within and outside the family, Jim was known for his deep love of church and community, helping many a wayward person.
Jim was a past President of the Redbank Valley School Board, serving on the First National Bank board, past President of the Clarion Hospital Board, and serving on the Central Electric Cooperative Board.
He was a member of the Gideons, the American Legion Post in New Bethlehem, the Clarion County Fair Board, the Leatherwood Anti-Horsethief Association, a founding member of the New Bethlehem Men’s Prayer Breakfast, the New Bethlehem Food Pantry, the Porter Township PTA, Leatherwood Cemetery Association, Gift for Children of Parents in Prison, the United Way, and the Leatherwood Church Choir.
All American Awards and Engraving is located on U.S. 322 in Shippenville. The company specializes in Embroidery, Screen Printing, all kinds of awards, trophies, engraving, unique gifts and more. As the company motto says, We can put “Almost Anything on Almost Everything”.
They can be found online at www.allamericanhq.com or by calling toll free 1-877-402-9273 and ask for Jim Carroll or at www.facebook.com/AllAmericanAwardsandEngraving
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
