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Deacon James L. Woomer, 78, of Altoona, passed away Wednesday morning at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Charlotte (Wait) Woomer-Weight and his stepfather, Lester Weight.
Jim married Kathy M. Greene on May 3, 1969, at Bellwood United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years; his two sons, James L. Woomer Jr. (Laurie) of Altoona and Brian Durica (Allison) of Roanoke, Va.; four grandchildren: Sarah, Katherine, Isabella and Jackson Leo; a special niece: Kim Lewis (Jim) and their grandson: Ayven Lewis; his great-nieces: Heather Bartlebaugh (Travis) and their son: Trever, and Jaime Lewis; also a great-nephew, Jeffrey Warner.
Jim was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Soyke (Bill) and Jean Warner (Leo); a stepbrother, Gerald Weight; a nephew, Jeff Warner; and great-niece, Alicia Smith.
He was a 1966 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School. Jim then went on to graduate from Mount Aloysius College with a degree in nursing. He had worked at Blair Medical Associates as a chart auditor and was previously a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Centre Community Hospital and a paramedic at AMED for 25 years. He was also the station manager for Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service for several years.
However, his best decision and most rewarding career move came when he answered God's call and became a deacon and served for the past 16 years at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Pennsylvania National Guard.
He enjoyed history, painting, crocheting and cross-stitching. Jim also loved his cats: Muffy, Merlin and Angel.
A Reception of the Body will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 Sixth Ave., Altoona, followed by visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church. The afternoon will conclude with evening prayers at 4 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altoona, celebrated by the Very Rev. Alan Thomas, Vicar General, and concelebrated by priests and deacons. Committal with military honors will be held at Alto-Reste Park.
Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Deacon Jim's memory to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 862 Carnegie, PA 15106 (cancer.org/givehope); or St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 Sixth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family funeral Homes Facebook page.