James Edward Rosborough

James Edward Rosborough, 84, Indiana, died surrounded by family on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Born Jan. 19, 1934, in White Township, Indiana County, he was the son of Edward Pennington and Sara Louise (Buchanan) Rosborough.

Jim was a 1951 graduate of Indiana High School where he earned his lifelong nickname of “Smiley.” He graduated from the State Teachers College in Indiana, PA (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania) with a Bachelor of Science (1957) and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Immediately upon graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a tank commander guarding the gold at Fort Knox. After the Army, he had a more than 30-year teaching career in Bensalem Township, PA. He taught history and geography and coached track and field as well as cross country.

Always focused on learning, Jim continued his education through the years by obtaining a Master of Education from IUP (1969) and taking graduate courses at Trenton State College and Bloomsberg State College. After retiring from teaching, he worked for Toll Brothers, Inc. for more than a decade before “officially” retiring in 2004. At that time, he returned to his hometown of Indiana.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Jim was a lifetime member of the following organizations: Ickesburg Sportsmen’s Association, the NRA and the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame. He enjoyed following all types of sports, reading and participating in activities at the local Eagles, Moose and Elks lodges.

Jim has a large family who will miss him dearly. Surviving family members include his beloved daughter Julie Nicholas (and husband Jim Nicholas), Boynton Beach, FL; sisters, Helen “Peggy” McPherson, Indiana, and Betty Kuhel, Greensburg; devoted nieces and nephews, Brad McPherson (and Christine McPherson), Greg McPherson, Kim McPherson (and Robin Prugh), Lesley Gonzales (and Al Gonzales), Kandy Kuhel and Kevin Kuhel. He was especially grateful for his nephew Jeff McPherson, who helped him throughout the years always with a kind heart and smile. Jim also leaves behind his great nephews Sean, Corey, Taylor, Josh, Jason and niece-in-law Tyleeta.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents; sister, Joan Hammill; brother-in-law Harry “Bert” McPherson; and great nephew, Tyler McPherson.

A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. in the Oakland Cemetery. Following the service, friends and family are invited to 1440 School Street, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Ickesburg Sportsmen’s Association College Scholarship Fund in honor of James Rosborough, PO Box 175, Ickesburg, PA. 17037. www.lefdahlfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Edward Rosborough, please visit our floral store.