James Joseph Earl

James J. Earl, 89, of Citrus Springs, FL passed away March 22, 2026, at Best Care Assisted Living under the care of VITAS Healthcare Hospice. He was born June 7, 1936, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Glenn L. Earl and Dorothy Esser Earl. He graduated from North East High School in Pennsylvania and attended Jamestown Community College in New York. He joined the US Army National Guard in 1954 while still in high school, served with the US Army in Germany from 1957 to 1960, completing his military career serving in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in Erie, Corry, and Warren PA through1966. James retired as a Purchasing Manager for Betts Industries, Inc. in Warren, PA in 1998 and moved to Citrus Springs, Florida in 2001.

In 1961, James married Cherie Yochim in Clymer, New York. He was a Life Member of the 112th Infantry Regiment Association, a member of Americal Legion Post 658 in Youngsville, PA, Lakewood NY Rod and Gun Club, a Life Member of The National Association of Purchasing Management, a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Hernando, FL, a former member of Hope Lutheran Church, Citrus Springs, FL and Saron Lutheran Church, Youngsville, PA. James was a Charter Member and Past President of The Upper Alleghany Muzzle Loader Club, Charter Member and past Vice President of the Brokenstraw Valley Jaycees, and Life Member and past Vice President and Director of the Purchasing Management Association of Northwest Pennsylvania. He was a retired member of the Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter/EMT with over 25 years of service. He was one of the first certified EMT’s in Warren County, PA. James also volunteered for several years in three Citrus County schools where his daughter and son-in law were teachers.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Cherie Earl, Citrus Springs, daughter Cynthia and her husband Kevin Towne, Citrus Springs, son Michael Earl and his wife Valerie of Tucson, AZ, grandchildren Brianna Ward and husband Jake Ward, Tucson, AZ, Ryan Towne of Lakeland, FL, Brenna Burge and husband Chance Burge of Clarksville, TN, and sister Rita Burress, Union City, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers William Earl, Robert Earl, and Eugene Earl.

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Hernando, FL will be holding the viewing at 9:00 am and the service at 10:00 am with a light lunch following. Burial will be in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL promptly at 2:00 pm on the same day. In lieu of flowers, donation suggestions are Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 352-746-7161, VITAS Healthcare (Hospice) 352-527-2020, or a favorite charity of your choice.