LT. Col. James Alfred Cline USAF (retired)

Lt. Col. James Alfred Cline, USAF (Retired) passed from this life on November 15, 2023 and is now with Jesus. Born May 27, 1936 in Morgantown WV, the son of Charles C. Cline and Virginia I. Ahern. Cline. A 1954 graduate of Portage High School, he then attended Penn State earning a BS in Industrial Engineering in 1959, while enroled in ROTC. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1980. He obtained a MS (Lehigh U. 1965) and a PHD (Arizona State U.1973), both in Industrial Engineering. After his service to country he worked in the aerospace industry (United Technology) and finally at DeVilbus Healthcare Div. He most recently resided in Donegal with his loving wife, Cheryl Murphy Cline, who survives him. Jim was most proud of his children. He had three sons, who survive him: Douglas A Cline (Marbury, MD), Scott A. Cline (San Jose, CA) and Kenneth C. Cline (Baltimore, MD). He is also survived by five siblings: Katherine Caringola (Eugene), Connellsville, PA; Eileen L Ryan (James), St. Marys, PA; Gene L. Cline (Karen) Hunker, PA; William T. Cline (Sandra) Somerset, PA and Mary V. Herring (Brian) Farmington, PA. He is survived by four grandchildren, Christine Cline, Deborah Cline, Isabel Cline, Julia Cline; two step-grandchildren: Amanda Colburn Farris, Rebecca Colburn; three great-great-grandchildren; Granville A. Cline, Jacob Colburn Farris and Alexandria Colburn Farris; and by 10 nieces and nephews: Lynn Ann Caringola, Jacqueline Caringola, Dr. Colleen Ryan Jones, MD, Maureen Ryan, Michael B. Ryan, Kaitlyn Grace Cline, Steven R. Cline, Seth A. Cline, Craig Herring, Lt. Kelsie Herring (USN / MD). He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles C. Cline (1947) and a grandson, Thomas A. Cline. He is missed by Abbey! Always seeking to learn new skills, Jim held a Private Pilot’s license and got Instrument and Flight Instructor ratings. He was skilled in repairing mechanical things and restored several antique cars from the frame up. He was a gentleman farmer and enjoyed being outside and busy. He was an active skier and joined the National Ski Patrol as a volunteer at Hidden Valley PA. After retirement he worked as paid patroller at 7 Springs and Laurel Mt., while obtaining his EMT and then Paramedic credentials. He then began a new career as a ski instructor at 7 Springs. Late in life, influenced by Cheryl’s strong faith, Jim became a devout Christian and that walk led him to take up the guitar so he could participate in the worship services. He loved listening to and learning Contemporary Christian music. His family and friends knew him as an intense and passionate person but was a loyal friend and someone always ready to lend a hand. A Celebration of Life is planned for December 2, at 11:00 am at the Indian Head Church of God, 691 Indian Creek Valley Road, Indian Head PA, 15446. The family request that in lieu of flowers that you consider a donation to an organization that trains service dogs, a veteran’s support organization, or the National Ski Patrol Eastern Division Memorial Fund. Mark C. Brooks Funeral Home Inc. 146 Municipal Building Rd., Melcroft www.brooksfhmelcroft.com

LT. Col. James Alfred Cline USAF (retired)

May 27, 1936 - November 15, 2023