James D. Berger

James Daniels Berger, 88, of Coudersport, passed away peacefully at his home on February 3, 2021.

James (Jim to his friends) was born October 31, 1932, in Coudersport, to James Stanley Berger and Georgiana Daniels Berger. He graduated from Mansfield University with a degree in education. In 1955 he married Loretta Johnson of Coudersport, and they remained devoted to each other for 60 years until her death in 2015.

Jim taught history and political science at Coudersport High School for 30 years, retiring in 1986. He was very active in the community as a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Eulalia Cemetery Association. An avid outdoorsman, hunter, and shooter, he was a longtime hunter education instructor and an active member of the Black Forest Conservation Association, where he ran a personal protection class for women for many years. His interest in history led to many enjoyable years of membership in the 42nd Pennsylvania Bucktails Civil War re-enactment group. Jim was a 32 degree Mason in AASR Valley of Coudersport, and in 1996 was named “Citizen of the Year” by the American Legion Potter Post 192 for his many contributions to the local community.

Jim is survived by a son, James J. (Carole) Berger of Falls Creek; a daughter, Diana (Scott) Rupp of Fort Collins, Colorado; a sister, Jane (Geoffery) Wells of Whiritoa Beach, New Zealand; a grandson, Chris Berger of DuBois; a great-grandson, Otto; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a network of close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Loretta; and a son, Tom.

Burial will be in Eulalia Cemetery, with a celebration of life to be announced later in the year. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Black Forest Conservation Association, P.O. Box 331, Coudersport, PA 16915 or the Eulalia Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 226, Coudersport, PA 16915.

The family has entrusted the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 North East St. Coudersport, PA, with her arrangements.

To share your fondest memories of James or to sign his guestbook, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.