The final taps for James H. O'Rorke, 79, Altoona, were called Thursday evening after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his loving family, both physically and in thought.
He was born in Altoona, the youngest son of the late James Sr. and Grace (Holland) O'Rorke. He married Bonnie Borger on June 6, 1981.
Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Maureen Sherbine; a son, Kevin (Wendy); two stepchildren: Summer Keen (David) and Matthew Murray (Sandra); four grandchildren: Evan Sherbine (Anne), Brian Sherbine and Christopher and Ryan O'Rorke; four stepgrandchildren: Kelsie Murray, David and Daniel Keen and Harry Harr (Mallory); and a stepgreat-grandchild, Drake. He is also survived by his former wife, Mary (Belin).
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He was preceded in death by a sister, Joan; a brother, Daniel; and twin sons, Dennis and Michael. He can now meet up with them and share "the rest of his life."
Jim was a 1951 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School. He retired from Bell Telephone after 26 years of service.
His proudest accomplishment was serving in the U.S. Army. He was drafted in 1953 and served in the tank corps in Germany during the Korean conflict. In 1955, he joined the Reserve, serving in the 338th Medical Group, which later became the 99th Field Hospital and then the 341st Medical Clearing Group. He attained the rank of first sergeant. He then moved to the Los Angeles, Calif., area, serving in three units there and attaining the rank of sergeant major before retiring in 1993 with 37 years of service and many commendations. He loved the military.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the noon funeral service Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, Father Christopher Panagoplos, T.O.R., officiating. A private military service will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602; or the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home Welfare Fund, P.O. Box 319, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
