James T. Simsick Sr.

Mr. James T. Simsick Sr., age 91, of Academy Street, Salamanca, New York, died Tuesday afternoon, July 19, 2011, at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, New York following a short illness.

Born May 4, 1920, in Salamanca, New York , he was the son of the late Helen Simsick and raised by his maternal grandmother, Mary Simsick. He was married on May 14, 1943 in Gadsden, Alabama to the former Lorene "Alabama" Potts who predeceased him on March 9, 2001.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School.

Mr. Simsick was a veteran of the United States Army during WWII serving in the European Theatre with the 255th Military Police Company.

He was employed with the former C.B. Norton & Sons for over 10 years retiring in 1982. Previously, he had been employed with the former Fancher Furniture Company.

Mr. Simsick was a member of the former St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church.

Surviving are: 2 sons, James (Sharon) Simsick Jr., Richmond, VA, Thomas (Pam) Simsick, Olean, New York; 4 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Carolyn Staudigl.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York at the convenience of the family.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296.

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

e-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com, or posted to facebook.com/onofh.