James McCurdy

James Richard McCurdy, 88, of Indiana, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023, while at UPMC Altoona.

The son of Clair and Vada (Weaver) McCurdy, he was born September 29, 1934, in Sagamore, PA. Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1977, having earned the rank of SMSGT.

Music was an important aspect of Jim’s life. He was Director of the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps at the Air Force Academy (1970-77), the Band Director at Bishop Carroll High School (1978-85), and he performed with several big bands over the years. Jim also served as a houseparent for two years at Milton Hershey School. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, and the mountains.

Surviving is his wife, Elaine (Ziegler) McCurdy whom he wed in October of 1956; children, Greg (Heather) McCurdy, Keith McCurdy, and Lori Walton; grandchildren, Matt, Kira, Justin, and Joel; brother, Clair McCurdy; sister, Jean Langdon; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Hoover; and brother, Raymond McCurdy.

Friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 3 P.M. at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow in the Lefdahl Chapel. The interment will be private.

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