Obituaries

James L. Armitage

James L. Armitage, 86, of Columbus, OH formerly of Steubenville died Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Riverside Methodist Hospital.  He was born in Steubenville on July 16, 1922 the son of the late James R. and Leona M. Artman Armitage.  He attended Steubenville City Schools and graduated from Follansbee High School in 1940 and also attended the College of Steubenville.  He began his working career at Weirton Steel Company in 1940, but left there in 1942 to enlist in the U.S. Army, serving until 1946, with overseas service in the Pacific Theater of Operations.  An avid photographer, James was associated with Nosset Studios in Steubenville until 1948. In 1948 he returned to Weirton Steel, working until his retirement in 1982 as Director of Personnel Systems.  He served 19 years in the Labor Relations Department.  James was a member of the former LaBelle View Methodist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher, certified lay speaker and choir director for over 13 years. He later became a member of Wintersville United Methodist Church. James was a musician who studied violin, trumpet and sang bass with the Civic Choral Society and Stanton Community Chorus.  He was past master of Steubenville Lodge 45, F&AM, where he served as worshipful master in 1962 and  he was district deputy grand master of the 24th Masonic District from 1965 through 1967 and  from 1968 through 1970, he served as District Education Officer of the 24th Masonic District.  He received the degrees in the Valley of Steubenville in April 1953 and the 33rd degree in 1983 in Milwaukee, WI.  He served as Secretary of Scottish Rite  of the Valley of Steubenville.  He was also active in the York Rite, being a member of Ohio Priory No. 18, KYCH, Holyrood Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Scotland; Union Chapter No. 15, RAM; Union Council No 2, R&SM; and Steubenville Commandery No 11, Knights Templar.  His community service included terms as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Steubenville  Salvation Army  and the Jefferson County Red Cross Board of Directors.  He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Union Cemetery Association of Steubenville and treasurer of the Union Cemetery for over 10 years.  Member of the Steubenville Rotary.  He was a dedicated follower of the Steubenville High School Big Red Football Team.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years the former Betty J. Higgins, whom he married February 21, 1945 at Base Chapel, Stinson Army Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX; son Brian J. Armitage (wife Tatiana I. Arefina-Armitage) of Columbus, OH; daughters Janine L. Bartram of Morgantown, WV and Karen S. (Vince) Boggia of Olathe, KS.  Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville on Sunday from 1-3 and 6-8p.m.   On Monday friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Clint Quillen officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery.  Masonic services 7p.m. Sunday, immediately followed by Scottish Rite Ring Service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Ohio Masonic Home, Five Masonic Dr., Springfield, OH 45504-3658; Salvation Army or American Red Cross, Jefferson County Chapter.

Date of Death: May 7, 2009