James Speakman, age 86, of Minerva, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, in Alliance Community Hospital.
He was born May 18, 1921, in Paris, to Aaron and Edna (Crowl) Speakman.
James was a contractor, a carpenter, had worked for Stimmel's Garage in Paris for 17 years, and was a bus driver for Minerva Local Schools for 50 years. He had also been employed by Crowl Lumber Co. and Midwest Manufactured Homes, in Minerva. He was a member of the Paris Israel Lutheran Church, was a choir member for many years, and former council members. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and charter member of the Paris Lions Club.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Betty (Stimmel) Speakman, whom he married Nov. 10, 1943; a son, Dave (Ann) Speakman, of Minerva; six sisters, Ruth Buchanon, of Minerva, Jeanette Knam, of Maximo, Mary (Bill) Welker, of Waynesburg, Martha (Dick) Davis, of Waynesburg, Ann Miller, of Waynesburg, Betty Speakman, of Paris; two brothers, Harold Speakman, of Paris, Dale (Judy) Speakman, of Robertsville; two grandchildren, Aaron (Michelle) Speakman, of Paris, Casie Speakman, of Minerva; a great-grandson, Wyatt J. Speakman.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Hall; two brothers, Lloyd "Pete" and George Speakman.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 7, in the Paris Israel Lutheran Church with Pastor Sue Rodgers officiating. Burial, with full military honors, was held in Paris Cemetery. Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home, in Minerva, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the church memorial fund.