James E. Amon of 5021 Sandy Lake-Greenville Road, Sandy Lake, died at 5:45 p.m. Friday (5-16-08) after an extended illness surrounded by his family in Grove City Medical Center, Pine Township. He was 74.

A son of the late John W. and Theda S. Ebbert Amon, he was born Aug. 27, 1933, in Raymilton, Venango County.

He was a 1951 graduate of the former Sandy Lake High School.

On Nov. 8, 1952, he married the former Bettie J. Kopta, who survives at home.

Jim was well known in the area as a heavy-equipment operator working in excavating and construction.

His health forced him to retire in 1984 after working for over 30 years for Kopta Excavating of Stoneboro.

He was of the Protestant faith and enjoyed fishing and gardening, and was an avid reader, his favorite books being westerns.

He was a great fan of John Wayne and enjoyed building model cars and working in his garage.

In earlier years, he spent many hours talking with friends and making new ones using a citizens band radio, using the handle “Digger Man.”

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Ronald J. “Roman” Amon and his wife Julie Tharp-Amon, Stoneboro; Donald W. Amon and his wife Judith D. Brown-Amon, Sandy Lake; Terrence L. Amon and his wife Angela D., Sandy Lake; and Todd A. Amon and his wife Diana “Di,” Clarks Mills; 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Carol Klein and her husband Michael, Sandy Lake; and Arlene Gilmore and her husband Donald, Grove City.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Adam Christopher Amon; and two sisters, Evelyn Montgomery and Nancy Clayton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Scott A. Black Funeral Home, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro.

AMON

James E., 74, of 5021 Sandy Lake-Greenville Road, Sandy Lake.

Calling hours: None.