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James W. Ternent, Jr.

James W. Ternent, Jr., "Can Man", 95, of Kittanning, died Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 22, 1929 in Detroit, MI, the son of James W. and Isabella M. (Allen) Ternent.

Throughout Jim's life he served his family, country, community and church. As an Eagle Scout during World War II, he served as a Civil Defense messenger during air raid drills in Columbus, Ohio. After graduation from the Ohio State University in 1952, Jim served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force at Research and Development command for two years during the Korean War.

In 1954, he and his wife, Alice, moved to Kittanning and he was employed by Eljer Plumbingware for 36 ½ years in several production management positions - engineer, safety director, and personnel administrator. As a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kittanning, Jim served in many positions including administrative board, church council, council on ministries, activities committee (fish dinners, Folk Festival food booth, and SIFT), adult Sunday school teacher, finance committee, and vacation bible school where he was known as the "Can Man" by hundreds of children for the annual aluminum can collection for Habitat for Humanity. He counted and recycled 1,052,610 cans since 1996 earning over $17,000 for Habit for Humanity.

Community service activities were very important to Jim and this was showcased through his involvement in many different groups. Jim was a volunteer coach for the Ford City High School track team. He was on the Board of Directors for the Family Counseling Center, Armstrong County United Way for which he was an annual fundraising solicitor for over 30 years. Also, on the board of Directors of the West Hills Area Water Pollution Control Authority where he served as chairman of the board since 1973 until his death. For his service, he was recognized by the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association with the SAHLI and extended service awards for 20, 30, 40 and 50 plus years of service.

Jim enjoyed being with his family and working on his home and yard. He never missed a chorus or band concert, football game, basketball game, graduation, or track meet when his grandchildren were involved.

Jim's final act of generosity was being an organ donor. Even after his death, he continued to give to others.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Anita Smith and husband, Alan, of Vandergrift, and Melinda Arndt and husband, Tony, of Mooresville, NC; brother William A. Ternent and wife, Janet, of Ormond Beach, FL; cousin, Henry Ternent and family of Penn Hills, PA; grandchildren Christopher Smith and wife, Courtney, of McDonald, PA, Katie Smith of Vandergrift, PA, Eric Arndt of Ohio, and Alexander Arndt and wife, Stephanie, of China Grove, NC; and four great-grandchildren, Ella, Adele, and Lydia Smith, and Gabriel Arndt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Alice Hill Ternent, whom he married on October 4, 1953 and who died on August 21, 2019.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 at Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc, 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning.

Additional visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM on Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church, 301 North Jefferson Street, Kittanning, with Rev. Dayton D. Mix officiating.

Burial will be in the Muhlenburg Township Cemetery, Darbyville, Pickaway Co., OH.

In Lieu of Flowers, you may make a contribution in memory of Jim to the First United Methodist Church, 301 N. Jefferson St., Kittanning, PA or to Habitat for Humanity, 106 S. Jefferson St., Kittanning, PA 16201.

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