James N. Sewell
PORT ALLEGANY- James N. Sewell, 68, of Hillside Ave., died at UPMC Hamot, Erie, on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
Born in St. Mary’s, PA, he was a son of Nelson S. and Hazel Flanagan Sewell.
At a very early age, Jim’s father introduced him to hunting, fishing, survival skills, and the importance of hard work. Things that he continued to enjoy, respect and demonstrate throughout his life. His father also joined scouting with him and he and Hazel were honored to witness Jim become the first Eagle Scout of Troop 560.
Jim graduated from Port Allegany High School, class of 1967, and Penn State University in 1972, earning a degree in Engineering. He worked summers for North Penn Gas Co. and was hired to continue as an Engineer upon graduation. He continued working for North Penn Gas Co. successor; Penn Fuel Gas, PPL and UGI for the next 41 years. Very early in his career he worked on a well fire in Tioga county, where he worked with the infamous Red Adair. As the Operations Manager of the company’s Northern Tier, he was at one time responsible for the gas operations of 7 counties in Pennsylvania. Over the years, Jim also acted as a community servant. He was the company’s representative to the Port Allegany Economic Development Corp. and later served as its president. He also served on Borough Council, drove ambulance, and sat on the Port Allegany Water Authority Board.
Outdoors was probably Jim’s favorite place to be. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and all outdoor sports. His hobbies and playing cards were always fun and memorable to anyone sharing the experiences with him. He designed and built his own home and went on to become quite the woodworker. His garage and his projects were a close second to the outdoors. But his main love was his family.
On May 21, 1992, Jim met his soul mate. Later in August 24, 2002, in a wedding ceremony in their back yard, he married Karen Durkin, who survives. Jim and Karen had an unparalleled love and respect for one another. They did everything together and to say they were happy is an understatement.
This blended family consisted of Jim’s children, Jason S. Sewell of Boston, NY, and Kelly (Harold) Graves of Port Allegany. Karen’s children are Joshua Przybyla of Pittsburgh, and Jayson and Carrie Przybyla of Roulette, He is also survived by Kerri Sewell, Laura Przybyla and grandchildren Emma Sewell, Olivia and Miles Przybyla, his sister, Marsha (Chuck) Waite, brother-in-law, Thomas Durkin, and his first wife, Jeanie Sewell.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Janice (Rich) Hill, two infant sisters, Bonnie Jean and Arlene Hazel Sewell, and infant brother, Mark Williams Sewell.
Friends will be received from 6-9 p.m. Saturday in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany, and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, when a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. Garen Smith, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Allegany, officiating. Burial will be in Portage Township Cemetery, Gardeau.
Memorials can be made to the S.W. Smith Library or Port Area Ambulance Service.
Condolences can be made to: Karen D. Sewell
305 Hillside Ave.
Port Allegany, PA 16743
PORT ALLEGANY- James N. Sewell, 68, of Hillside Ave., died at UPMC Hamot, Erie, on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
Born in St. Mary’s, PA, he was a son of Nelson S. and Hazel Flanagan Sewell.
At a very early age, Jim’s father introduced him to hunting, fishing, survival skills, and the importance of hard work. Things that he continued to enjoy, respect and demonstrate throughout his life. His father also joined scouting with him and he and Hazel were honored to witness Jim become the first Eagle Scout of Troop 560.
Jim graduated from Port Allegany High School, class of 1967, and Penn State University in 1972, earning a degree in Engineering. He worked summers for North Penn Gas Co. and was hired to continue as an Engineer upon graduation. He continued working for North Penn Gas Co. successor; Penn Fuel Gas, PPL and UGI for the next 41 years. Very early in his career he worked on a well fire in Tioga county, where he worked with the infamous Red Adair. As the Operations Manager of the company’s Northern Tier, he was at one time responsible for the gas operations of 7 counties in Pennsylvania. Over the years, Jim also acted as a community servant. He was the company’s representative to the Port Allegany Economic Development Corp. and later served as its president. He also served on Borough Council, drove ambulance, and sat on the Port Allegany Water Authority Board.
Outdoors was probably Jim’s favorite place to be. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and all outdoor sports. His hobbies and playing cards were always fun and memorable to anyone sharing the experiences with him. He designed and built his own home and went on to become quite the woodworker. His garage and his projects were a close second to the outdoors. But his main love was his family.
On May 21, 1992, Jim met his soul mate. Later in August 24, 2002, in a wedding ceremony in their back yard, he married Karen Durkin, who survives. Jim and Karen had an unparalleled love and respect for one another. They did everything together and to say they were happy is an understatement.
This blended family consisted of Jim’s children, Jason S. Sewell of Boston, NY, and Kelly (Harold) Graves of Port Allegany. Karen’s children are Joshua Przybyla of Pittsburgh, and Jayson and Carrie Przybyla of Roulette, He is also survived by Kerri Sewell, Laura Przybyla and grandchildren Emma Sewell, Olivia and Miles Przybyla, his sister, Marsha (Chuck) Waite, brother-in-law, Thomas Durkin, and his first wife, Jeanie Sewell.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Janice (Rich) Hill, two infant sisters, Bonnie Jean and Arlene Hazel Sewell, and infant brother, Mark Williams Sewell.
Friends will be received from 6-9 p.m. Saturday in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany, and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, when a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. Garen Smith, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Allegany, officiating. Burial will be in Portage Township Cemetery, Gardeau.
Memorials can be made to the S.W. Smith Library or Port Area Ambulance Service.
Condolences can be made to: Karen D. Sewell
305 Hillside Ave.
Port Allegany, PA 16743
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