James Clark Maneval

James Clark (Jim) Maneval passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021, in Fredericksburg, VA. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years Emma Charlotte (Ryan) Maneval, and is survived by his seven children, Jim, Dan, Charlie, Cathy, Tom, John, and Mary, fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. In his time among us, he brought kindness, warmth, and love to those who knew him. He was a caring and wonderful father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jim was born in Waterbury, CT, the only child of Clifford and Martha Maneval. He grew up in Williamsport, PA and in Corning, NY, where he graduated from Northside High School in 1952. He then attended Syracuse University, earning a degree in journalism in 1956. After Syracuse, Jim went on to a 36-year career with the DuPont Company in advertising and marketing.

On a blind date one summer evening, he met the love of his life, Emma Charlotte (Moddy) Ryan. From that day on, the two were inseparable partners in a journey through a long and love-filled life. Jim and Moddy married in 1958 and settled down in Hockessin, DE to raise their brood of seven children. They made Graves Road a special place, enjoying the company of neighbors and forming friendships that lasted over the years. Upon his retirement from DuPont, Jim and Moddy moved to Wellsboro, PA, then to Del Mar, CA, with Jim making a final move to Fredericksburg.

Jim was also “Uncle Jim” to a large contingent of nieces and nephews. His talents for ballad singing and storytelling around the campfire touched family and visitors at the annual campout in Wellsboro, PA. He was a kind and patient father, uncle, grandfather, and surrogate grandfather, always supporting the positive side of life in everyone. He gave love, compassion, and help whenever and to whomever it was needed. He was ever slow to anger and fast to welcome and embrace.

Jim’s artistic skills were manifold and renown. His hand-drawn birthday and special-occasion cards were a delight to receive. By including drawings and personal messages, he made each card a masterpiece as well as a personal treasure. Later in life, he took up watercolor painting and was exhibited in Wellsboro’s Gmeiner Art Gallery. He was also a lifelong fan of comic art that stretched from the days of Terry and the Pirates to the current-day Marvel Cinematic Universe, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at a later date, as will a joint memorial celebration for Jim and Moddy. In lieu of flowers, the family hopes that you will make contributions in his name to your local welfare operations, especially ones that care for children, or to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children to support the work done there.