As I look down the road in the photo above, I can not help but think a Family Tree is really a forest. As our families grow and marry, each brings their own tree. As I work with Sandi, I realize that our grand parents are very special to us. Both of our grandfathers are brothers, and fortunately for me, I got to meet our Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother. Just like the picture, our trees go in different directions, my Grandmother was a Bunting, and hers was a Nash, showing this is truly a forest, and this is just two in the same generation. There are many of you that enjoy coming here to see what is going on and add to our work, and you bring to us a growing and living forest that is thriving.
Thanks for taking your precious time to visit.
Michael and Sandi
James A. Thomas, Sr., age 77, former resident of Cambridge Springs, Pa., died Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at Wesbury Methodist Community in Meadville following an extended illness. Born in Clymer, New York on March 21, 1933, he was a son of the late Milton I. Thomas and Maude Bunting Thomas. He married the former Janice Jones on August 29, 1959 and she survives. James had three well defined, successful careers. His first career was with the military beginning at the age of 14 in 1947 and extending for 46 years until 1993. The first seven years Jim served in the enlisted ranks in the PA National Guard, the US Marine Corps, and the US Air Force. In 1955, Jim was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and in 1956 as a First Lieutenant serving in the US Air Force Reserve until 1968. In 1968 he was promoted to Major and was mainly assigned to work in security and law enforcement in the US Air Force for most of his military service. In 1977 he attained the rank of Lt. Col and in 1981 the rank of Colonel. From 1982 until his retirement in 1993, Jim was assigned as MA Director of Information Security Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The second career choice that Jim made was in education. Over the years he received a Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Education Degree from Edinboro University. He also received advanced education from New York State University, Fredonia University, Penn State University, as well as the Air War College while in the service. Concurrent with serving in the military, Jim found time to become a teacher and principal. As a elementary teacher, he taught from 1963 until 1966 and was a principal from 1972 to 1976 at Union City, at Jamestown, N.Y., and at Salisbury, Pa. each for several years. From 1976 until 1982 he was Assistant Superintendent at Commodore Perry School District. From 1982 until 1993 he was employed by the Defense Investigative Service in Cleveland, Ohio. Then for two years he was the Assistant Secondary School Principal for the Conneaut School District. Jim’s third career choice was working as special investigator for both the Department of Defense and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This brought Jim to his final retirement in 2005. In addition to being a member at Pleasantview Alliance Church of Saegertown, Jim’s memberships included – a lifetime member of American Legion Post #381 of Cambridge Springs, the Military Officers Association of Crawford and Erie counties; the Young Warriors (for those who entered the military underage); and the Reserve Officers Association Department of Central PA, Chapter #11. Surviving Jim, in addition to his wife- Janice, now living in Meadville; are two sons – James Thomas, Jr. of Cambridge Springs; and Jeffrey Thomas of Ravenna, Ohio; a daughter – Jill Cantelupe and her husband, Vince of Richmond, Va.; three grandchildren – James Thomas III of Meadville; Leah Gallagher and her husband, Mike of Camp Hill, Pa.; and Michelle Cantelupe of Richmond, Va.; three brothers – Paul Thomas and his wife, Dorothy of Union City; Joseph Thomas and his wife, Betsy of Doylestown, Pa.; and Stanley Thomas and his wife, Roberta of Springboro, Pa. Jim was preceded in death by two brothers – David and John and two sisters – Virginia and Vivian. Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasantview Alliance Church on Saturday, May 15th at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Pjecha, pastor, officiating. A calling hour will be observed from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Miller Station Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered. For condolences, please visit 
Joyce Elaine Hathaway 78, died Tuesday March 30, 2010 surrounded by her family at Pleasant Ridge Manor West. Joyce was born on November 1, 1931 in Erie, daughter of the late David E. Nash and Marie Chaple Nash. She graduated from McKean High School in 1950. Later she worked at the Post Office in Lake City and earned her real estate license. She also worked as a waitress for various restaurants in the west county area as well as in St. Petersburg, Fla. when living there. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion Post #494 Auxiliary. She was a devoted wife and mother and her family was always her first priority. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald D. Nash. She will be deeply missed by her husband R. Bruce Hathaway, whom she married on October 16, 1954; her daughter, Valerie J. Hathaway of McKean; and her son, Raymond Bruce Hathaway Jr. of Girard, also several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Daniel R. Edder Funeral Home, 309 Main St. East, Girard. Services will be held there on Friday at 10 a.m., Pastor Brian Kelly officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to