Robert J. “Jim” Bamford Jr. is now resting with his maker. Jim passed at the Ellwood City Hospital in the early hours of November 3rd after a short illness. Jim and Eileen, formally of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma had recently relocated to the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople. Both Jim and Eileen started their lives in western Pennsylvania. Jim was born in McDonald, Pa. on January 5th, 1929, and graduated from Punxsutawney High. He attended W&J University then graduated from The University of Pittsburgh in 1953 with a Petroleum Engineering degree. Jim married his loving wife of 60 years, Eileen Denise Flanagan of Aliquippa, Pa. in January of 1953. They started their lives together moving to Chickasha, Oklahoma to join Magnolia Petroleum Company. In 1956 Jim and Eileen brought their young family back to Ellwood City. Jim had accepted a position with United States Steel Corporation at the Ellwood Works as a Metallurgical Engineer in their tubular products division. In 1978 Jim and Eileen found themselves back in Oklahoma with USSteel until Jim retired in 1985 to begin his dream of playing golf every day with Eileen by his side. Jim enjoyed their golfing friends at both the Connoquenessing Country Club in Ellwood City for over 20 years and the Indian Springs Country Club in Broken Arrow for over 30 years, traveling together on numerous golf outings throughout the country. Jim was a founding member of the Literary Society in Ellwood City, a local monthly poker club of special friends. He served dutifully as a member of the Christ Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City, and then as member of the Kirks of the Hill Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jim is survived by his devoted wife Eileen,
Son: Robert J. Bamford III and Cindi Bamford of Houston Texas, children James Bamford and Brooke Bamford both of New York City;
Daughter: Ellen and Gary Jackson of Ellwood City, children Lindsay and Mark McConahy of Latrobe; Kyle and Tracey Jackson of Cranberry Township; Cara and Matt Pertile of Ellwood City; and Patrick Jackson of Pittsburgh;
Daughter: Amy and Jon Coblyn of Sherborn, MA, children Joshua of Florida, Kimberly and Adam Paggi, Scott and Jake of Boston;
Daughter: Mary Jo and Jim Elmer of Reinholds, Pa., children Kelsey of Denver, Corey and Jodie of Reinholds.
Two great grandchildren complete the family circle.
Memorial Service will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church on Wednesday November 6, at 11 am conducted by his pastor Rev. Tod Custer.
The family will receive friends for one hour before the service in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Christ Presbyterian Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Marshall Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to marshllsfh.com
A great man among men on Earth has taken his place with our Lord in the Heavens. He left a wonderful, caring and loving family but not without leaving his mark. Thank you Mr. Bamford for giving us a great brother-in-law and friend. We can see why your son is the man that he is and you should be proud. Our prayers and condolences to the Bamford Family.
My first babysitting job when I was 12 years old was babysitting Jim and Eileen Bamford’s 4 young children (all under age 6) when they lived on Pittsburgh Circle. Good memories – if the hours included dinnertime, Eileen provided TV dinners for me to heat up. Even at those young ages, all 4 of the children were well-behaved and minded well. My condolences go out to Eileen, Robby, Ellen, Amy and Mary Jo, along with other family members.
Jo Ann Miller Oxsen
jaoxsen@gmail.com
What a great man,my boss out country club when I was in high school.Also played a lot of golf with him out the club.Will be missed.
Jim And Ellen, I am so saddened to learn of the passing of your Father. We truly understand death when God places His hands upon one whom we love. It’s not just a matter of losing a person, it’s a lifetime worth of memories yet to be made. We must always have old memories and young hopes. My thoughts and prayers remain with you, and the entie Bamford family.
JoAnn, Thank you so much for your kind words. Your memories brought a smile to our faces. God Bless you. Ellen