James B. Van Kirk

James B. Van Kirk, 93, of Latrobe, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, in Latrobe Regional Health and Rehabilitation. Born May 5, 1914, in Brownsville, he was a son of the late William and Carrie (Keffer) Van Kirk. Prior to retirement, he had been employed by the former West Penn Power, Loyalhanna Division. He was a member and former trustee of the Latrobe United Presbyterian Church, a lifetime member of B.P.O.E. Lodge 907 of Latrobe, and a 50-year member of Fayette Lodge No. 228 F&AM of Uniontown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Van Kirk; his wife of 64 years, Virginia Boyer Van Kirk; and a son-in-law, Alfred Smith. He is survived by two daughters, Linda Smith, of Latrobe (formerly of Somerset), and Sallie Plummer and her husband, Clarence, of Latrobe; his two sons, James Van Kirk Jr. and his wife, Emma, of Ligonier, and David Van Kirk and his wife, Patti, of Dunedin, Fla.; five grandchildren, Nancy Wood and her husband, Paul, of Pittsburgh, Virginia Phillips and her husband, Edwin, of Latrobe, Thomas Smith and his wife, Jessie, of McKeesport, Christopher Plummer, of Latrobe, and Scott Plummer and his wife, Melissa, of West Mifflin; five great-grandchildren, Vincent and Laural Wood, Mary Kay Smith, and Hannah and Alexander Plummer; as well as many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Latrobe United Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Donald W. Graff officiating. Interment in Unity Cemetery, Unity Township. B.P.O.E. Lodge 907 will conduct a service at 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 F&AM will conduct a service at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Presbyterian Church, Spring Street, Latrobe, in his memory.