James "Jim" Richard Wise, Sr.

Veteran James “Jim” Richard Wise Sr., 74, of Mapleton, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Born Sept. 6, 1949, at the J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, he was the son of the late Merrill Wise and Mary (Yeager) Wise, who survives at home. Jim also leaves behind a son, James Wise Jr. who resides in Frederick, Maryland.

Jim graduated from Mount Union Area High School in 1967.

On June 12, 1968, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years. During his service he was stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Korea. From 1975-1984, he served in the United States Navy. While serving in the Navy he worked at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as the assistant Secretary of Defense, Public Affairs. During his sea duty, Jim spent three years on the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier (CV-67).

He was the recipient of the Joint Service Commendation Medal. During his time in the military, he traveled around the world twice. Jim loved his military career and was so proud to serve his country and never hesitated to share stories and memories of that time with family and friends, and even strangers.

Jim worked at SCI Smithfield as a maintenance clerk for 15 years before retiring.

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Mapleton, and a lifetime member of the Mapleton American Legion Post 322.

He loved cheering on Penn State Nittany Lion football, watching sports, sitting on the front porch and spending time with his mother.

A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Cutright Funeral Home-Smithfield Chapel, 313 Fairgrounds Road, Huntingdon.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, immediately following the visitation, with the Rev. Jerry Wise will be officiating and a private interment will be held at IOOF Cemetery, Mapleton.

Full military honors will be accorded at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of James Richard Wise Sr. to the: Mapleton Volunteer Fire Department, 354 Main St., Mapleton, PA 17052 or to the Mapleton American Legion Post 322, East Railroad Street, Mapleton, PA 17052.

Online condolences may be shared at www.huntingdondailynews.com/obituaries.

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