James R. Stabley was born on September 11, 1944 to the late Elmer R. Stabley and Elizabeth J. (Mitstifer) Stabley in Williamsport, PA.
He attended Loyalsock Elementary and junior high school, but attended Williamsport High School program and graduated from the class of 1962.
He proudly served in the U.S.M.C. from 1962 to 1966, including a tour in Vietnam as a crew chief on helicopters giving direct support to the fighting units on he ground in the form of rescue missions and medical evacuations.
Following his military service, Jim attended W.A.C.C., (now Penn College) taking the Aviation Course, while working at Avco Lycoming.
Jim was employed by Avco/Textron Lycoming from 1966-1992 where he worked at the service hangar as a mechanic. Taking every advantage or opportunity to advance his education, Jim moved up to filed service engineer working at the Piper Plant in Lakeland, FL., and at the U.S.C.G. (helicopters) in Mobile, AL. before returning to Williamsport where he eventually became an accident investigator. Following retirement, Jim founded his own company, Aviation Accident Investigation where he continued to work as an independent consultant to many individuals, companies and lawyers for both AVCO engines and Continential engines, traveling world wide until his health made it necessary to retire.
Jim was a long-time member of American Legion Post #104 and A.O. P.A. He was also a member of Faith United Methodist Church, Montoursville.
Surviving is his wife of 55 years, the former Rebecca A. Moore; two daughters, Kelly J. (Paul) Young and Jaime L. (Michael) Houghtaling, both of Montoursville; four grandchildren, Andrew J. young, of Las Vegas, NV., Jessica R. Young, of Montoursville, Abigayle R. and Alexander J. Houghtaling, both of Montoursville; two sisters, Patricia (Jack) Henninger, of Nesbit, and Agnes Lord, of TX.; as well as several nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service on Friday, December 18, 2020 11;30 a.m. in Montoursville Cemetery.
A viewing for family and friends will be on Friday, 10-11:00 a.m. at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, PA 17754.
Following Pennsylvania Department of Health Guidelines masks and social distancing will be required.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to USMC Toys for Tots- C/O Bill Dougherty, 500 Quail Lane, Cogan Station, 17728, National Museum of the Marine Corps., 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Triangle, VA 22172, or Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville, PA 17754.
