James N. Virtue, 74, Was Industrial Arts Teacher

James N. Virtue of Oak Bluffs died Oct. 6. He was 74 years old.

James was born Dec. 12, 1930, in Erie, Pa.,to J. Walter and Evelyn (Richardson) Virtue. He grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania and was graduated from Meadville High School in 1949. James served his country during the Korean Conflict in the 64th Tank Battalion, obtaining the rank of sergeant first class.

James was married on Oct. 7, 1952, to Lois Shaffer. James entered Pennsylvania State University and earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1959 and a master's degree in education in 1963. He started teaching industrial arts in 1959 at Blue Ridge High School in New Milford, Pa., and retired 34 years later in 1993.

James and Lois have been summer residents of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association for the past 40 years. They spent their winters in Spring Hill, Fla. James was a member of the Blue Stone Masonic Lodge of Great Bend, Pa., the Grace Presbyterian Church in Spring Hill, Fla., and the Trinity United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs. James enjoyed fishing and woodworking and was an avid Penn State football fan.

James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lois; his daughter, Susan V. Sowers of Saegertown, Pa.; his sons, James N. Jr. of Farmingdale, N.J., and Edward J. of Wilmington; and one sister, Janet E. Smith of Guys Mills, Pa. James is also survived by his eight grandchildren and five nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son James Steven.

His memorial service was held in the Trinity United Methodist Church on Trinity Park in Oak Bluffs on Monday, Oct. 10, at 3 p.m.

Memorial donations in James's name may be made to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, Tabernacle Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 1176, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.