Walter James

Walter James, age 61, of Millcreek Twp., died Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at his residence. He was born on November 19, 1947 in Salzburg, Austria, the son of the late, Basil James and Lydia Choroschewski James of Millcreek.

He graduated from East High School in 1965 as Valedictorian. He then graduated from Penn State University with a BS degree in electrical engineering in June, 1969. He was commissioned an officer in the US Army Reserve. After graduation, he accepted a position with GTE in the Engineering Dept.

In June, 1970, he began a "Tour of Duty" in Vietnam as a second lieutenant in the US Army Signal Corps. While in Vietnam he was commissioned a 1st lieutenant and served as commanding officer of the Nha Trang Signal Co. Nha Trang Army. He was proud to be an American and proudly served his country. Upon completion of his tour of duty in Vietnam, he resumed his career with GTE in a management position in Erie while continuing his education.

In 1981, he earned his Master's degree from Gannon University in Business Admin. and Accounting. He was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. He lived in Merion, OH and Fort Wayne, IN until his retirement. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Besides his mother, he is survived by one sister, Alla Hamme, (Richard) of Fairview, one nephew, Eric Hamme, and one great nephew, Zachery Hamme. He was preceded in death by one niece, Jessica Nicole Hamme.

Private arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd.

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