James R. “Harley” Paul of Sinking Valley died peacefully at home on Sunday November 27, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born January 3, 1943 to the late William and Helen (Ryan) Paul.  He married the love of his life Mary (Knepp) Paul on October 21, 1961. Mary provided him with the best care possible at home throughout his illness as his primary care giver. They shared 55 years together and had 5 children who were all his favorites;  Diane (Jay) Stulz of Berlin, MD., James Jr., of Altoona, Michael (Sue) of Clarksburg, MD., Pamela (Phil) Keth of Duncansville, and Donald (Denise) of Warriors Mark.  Jim is also survived by his favorite grandchildren; Travis Stulz, Meghan Paul, Maggie McCauliff, Brittany Paul, Sunny Paul, Caitrin McCauliff, Shane Paul, Dylan Paul, Maria Paul, Bree Paul and Annabel Keth.

Jim is also leaves behind his brothers Bill (Carole) Paul of Las Vegas and Jerry (Virginia) Paul of Altoona.  Jerry helped care for him and was always there when Jim needed him.  He leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters in law, and uncle Robert (Louise) Paul of Altoona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Barbara Liner.

Jim was a lifetime salesman working for Penn Traffic, TastyKake and retiring from Blue Lustre.   He and his wife Mary owned Harley’s Sub Shop in East End for many years.  Jim was always excited about the thrill of a good deal, buying and selling all sorts of things.  If you were looking to buy something in particular, he “knew a guy” to help find it for you, maybe making a buck on it too!  He loved antique cars and took great pride in his collection, especially his 1957 Ford Fairlane Convertible.

He was a U.S. Army Reserve veteran serving from 1959-1963.

Jim was most proud of his family.  Nothing made him happier than to see the success and happiness of his children and grandchildren.  He loved hearing about their promotions, how many cars they sold, how many points they scored, the cases they were working on, their grades in school, and making an injustice right. He was always eager to be the first to hear their news and share with everyone he talked to after!  He loved those phone calls providing updates on the latest news in the family.

Jim was a great friend to so many.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh.  He loved his Friday Poker nights with his buddies.  He was a man with generous heart often paying for meals for strangers in restaurants, giving two dollar bills to children to see them smile and wonder.

Jim and his family are so grateful to the staffs at Grane Hospice and Home Health and HealthSouth for providing him with such wonderful care over the last few years.  He was blessed to be cared for by such compassionate people. 

Jim made great memories with those who loved and cared for him.  He will be greatly missed.

Family and friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday November 30, 2016 at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday December 1, 2016 at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor Carol Bookwalter officiating. Interment will be made at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the “Jaffa Kiddies Christmas Party”, in care of Jaffa Shrine, PO Box 1984, Altoona, PA 16603-1984.