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James F. Wolf, 88, of Hollidaysburg, peacefully passed away Saturday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Hollidaysburg, a son of the late Arlington I. and Minnie Mabel (Lingenfelter) Wolf.
James married Regina A. Geissinger, the love of his life, on May 10, 1958, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Altoona. She preceded him in death on Aug. 19, 2025, after 67 years of marriage.
James is survived by his loving daughter, Cynthia "Cindy" Gehret (James); two grandchildren, Travus Gehret (Rachel) and Kari Klinefelter (Brooke); and two great-grandchildren, Fiona and Farah Gehret. He is also survived by his brother, William Wolf; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Alice Clapper and Annabell Barroner; and a brother, Thomas Wolf.
James was a graduate of Hollidaysburg High School, Class of 1955. He went on to Penn State University's Mont Alto campus, earning his undergraduate degree in 1959 and later a master's degree in Forestry.
James was a well-regarded and talented forester. His passion for the woods, especially trees, led him to become a true innovator in the field. He ran his own successful timbering and forestry company, Keystone Forestry Inc., overseeing sustainable harvesting and resource management all over the area, improving countless lives, businesses and local ecosystems. In 2009, he was inducted into Penn State's Distinguished Fellows Society, recognizing alumni with outstanding accomplishments and contributions to their careers and communities. He especially enjoyed sharing his industry knowledge as a forestry instructor at Jeff Tech in Reynoldsville, where he taught students about modern forestry. Daily, he drove 141 miles round trip (just under four hours) from his home in Hollidaysburg to Jeff Tech, where he taught and enriched the lives of hundreds of students for more than 25 years before retiring to focus primarily on Keystone Forestry Inc. He thoughtfully gave of himself to all he met, and he gave it all through the guidance of the Lord.
He was a lifelong member of Jaggard United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school and sang in the choir for many years. There he introduced his grandchildren to the church, and he was often called upon to preach sermons. In addition to these functions, he was a prior member of charitable organizations like the Free Masons (Altoona) and the Jaffa Shriners.
James loved to travel, especially on trips out west, and he cherished vacationing with Regina, family and friends. He was a devout outdoorsman who found deep enjoyment in hunting, fishing and simply spending time in nature all over the country. Above all, with Regina by his side, the time shared together with their daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was his greatest treasure.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. officiated by the Rev. Fred Hickok. A private interment will take place at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com