HERMITAGE, Pennsylvania (MyValleyTributes) – James H. Follmeyer, 84, of Hermitage, passed away Wednesday evening, November 15, 2023, in Sharon Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Follmeyer was born on October 18, 1939, the son of William and Grace (Bisby) Follmeyer.

James spent the first part of his career as a tank car welder. He was employed at General American Transportation Company (GATX), Masury, Ohio. He then worked at CCL Container, Hermitage where he retired in 2016.

James was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Sharon.

He had a deep love and passion for classic cars and attending car shows with his family. In addition to collecting vehicles and attending the Hershey Car Show yearly, he belonged to the Oldsmobile Club of America and served as past president of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Shenango Valley Chapter. James was a champion for all animals, especially his cats and other pets.

His wife, the former Charlotte Ann Klapach, whom he married on November 19, 1966, passed away on October 22, 2014.

He is survived by two daughters, Joan Follmeyer and her husband, Brian Eller, of Sharon and Janet L. Reuter and her husband, Leonard, of Philadelphia; two sons, James E. Follmeyer of Hermitage and Jason H. Follmeyer of Pittsburgh and a grandson, David James Eller.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to an animal charity of the donor’s choice.

Calling hours will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State Street, Sharon. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 79 Case Avenue, Sharon, with Rev. James Power, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, November 21 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.