William Rhys James
Located in the heart of the Pittsburgh – Youngstown Valley of Steel, William Rhys James was born in New Castle, Pa. on December 11, 1928, to Clifford and Myrtle James. Rambunctious son and protective older sibling to his sister Betty and brother David, he survived his calamitous youth and then through bracing self-discipline and sheer force of will forged a successful life and career. When tragedy struck early by way of his father’s untimely death, he left school at age 16 to become the family’s primary breadwinner. Thrust prematurely into responsible adulthood he quickly rose from laborer on the B&O Railroad, through the ranks of skilled electrician and then ascendant levels of management — retiring as Vice President with CSX Corporation. He was the Superintendent of Cumberland’s Locomotive Shops, which employed close to 1,000 workers during his tenure.
Along the way he sustained and nourished as much as he was sustained and nourished by the loving family he built with Ruth Sanfilippo, his childhood sweetheart, life-long companion and beloved wife who preceded him in death by 14 years. Her kind, gentle and loving nature, which was the perfect counterbalance to his exuberant vitality bolstered him and their three lucky surviving sons: Cliff, Dan and Bill who remain eternally grateful for the love and guidance they received and for the inspiring example set before them.
Ever mindful of the many emissaries from God who mentored and supported him during difficult times, his love for the working men and women who kept America’s big wheels turning never faltered. If they were willing to work and try hard, he was there to offer a first shot or a second chance to the last, lost and least among us. No one was to be left behind.
In addition to his son Cliff and wife Donna who reside in California, son Dan and wife Hollie who reside in Cumberland, and son Bill and wife Sandy who reside in Florida; he is survived by his brother-in-law Chuck Scaglione; nephews and nieces; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many loyal friends including Leonard Czarniecki and Vickie Noggle.
“We shall not look upon his kind again.”
Along the way he sustained and nourished as much as he was sustained and nourished by the loving family he built with Ruth Sanfilippo, his childhood sweetheart, life-long companion and beloved wife who preceded him in death by 14 years. Her kind, gentle and loving nature, which was the perfect counterbalance to his exuberant vitality bolstered him and their three lucky surviving sons: Cliff, Dan and Bill who remain eternally grateful for the love and guidance they received and for the inspiring example set before them.
Ever mindful of the many emissaries from God who mentored and supported him during difficult times, his love for the working men and women who kept America’s big wheels turning never faltered. If they were willing to work and try hard, he was there to offer a first shot or a second chance to the last, lost and least among us. No one was to be left behind.
In addition to his son Cliff and wife Donna who reside in California, son Dan and wife Hollie who reside in Cumberland, and son Bill and wife Sandy who reside in Florida; he is survived by his brother-in-law Chuck Scaglione; nephews and nieces; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many loyal friends including Leonard Czarniecki and Vickie Noggle.
“We shall not look upon his kind again.”