James Tarbell Wolford, 88, of Sweitzer Drive, Duke Center, formerly of Lake Circle Drive, Bradford, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, at Olean General Hospital.
Born November 23, 1933, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Emery M. and Dorothy (Tarbell) Wolford.
In 1952 he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the 10th Special Forces Group Airborne during the Korean War. The first Special Forces Course graduated in 1952 and in September 1953, 782 members of the Group deployed to Germany and established the Group headquarters there. He was awarded a Letter of Commendation for continued devotion, performance, and thoroughness in June 1955 and was honorably discharged later in 1955.
In 1958 James married Doris (Hackett) Wolford who preceded him in death in 1959 and on August 4,1962 he married Joan M. (Williamson) Wolford who preceded him in death on October 12, 2018.
Jim was employed at Kendall Refining Company/Witco Corporation for 25 years, retiring in 1996.
He was a former member of the Bolivar Drive Baptist Church and the Quarter Century Club at Kendall. He enjoyed auto racing, traveling across the USA with Joan, and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are three daughters, Terri (Mark) Nessler, Julie (Paul) Becker, and Jodi (Todd) Rice; four grandchildren, Tallena (Danny) Kallenbach, Brittany Ruso, Blake Geiger, and Jordyn Rice; three great grandchildren, Delaynie Moore, Michael Washington, and Logan Kallenbach; one brother, Doug (Teresa) Wolford, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan of 56 years, three brothers, Garrick Wolford, John Roy Wolford, and Tim Moore; and three sisters, Jenny Blue, Geraldine Lauff, and Charlene Heffner.
Family will receive friends for a celebration of James’ life on Friday, August 19, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Crosby American Legion Post 976, Rt 46, in Smethport. At 1:30pm a prayer will be offered by Rev. Max Simms, Pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to Olean General Hospital or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com.