James Thorpe Lasher

James Thorpe Lasher, 91, of Meadville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Wesbury United Methodist Community.

He was born in Erie on July 27, 1927 to Percy S. (Shorty) and Jessie Clark Lasher.  He married Audrey Smith on January 15, 1955.

Jim graduated from Academy High School in Erie in 1945, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy the following day.  Following a hardship at home, he was discharged and worked for J.F. Britten for 5 years.  He re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1950 and volunteered for the Submarine Service where he served aboard the USS Dogfish as an electrician.  Upon discharge in 1954, he went to work for 35 years as a Field Engineer for the National Cash Register Company.  Spending most of those years in Meadville where he was frequently referred to as “Mr. NCR.”

Jim was active with the Sea Scouts in Erie.  He remained active with Scouting in Meadville with Troop 227 of Stone Church and served as Pack Master of Pack 214 of Grace Church.  He received the Order of the Arrow.

He was a charter member of the Vernon Rotary Club and later joined the Meadville Rotary Club.

He was a member of the State Police of Crawford and Erie Counties in company 72 of Erie County and Company 54 of Crawford County.  He served as an officer of the Chief Company for many years.

Jim was an active member of Stone United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, having served as a Sunday School teacher and on many committees.

He loved hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was very proud of the fact that he had visited all 50 states.  He was dearly loved by all of his family and a friend to all who knew him.

In addition to his wife Audrey of 63 years, Jim is survived by four sons, Kevin (Sue) of Manassas, VA, Craig (Shelley) of Oklahoma City, OK, Dale (Angela) of Papillion, NE and Mark (Linda) of Bangor, PA.  He is also survived by a brother, John of Palm Springs, CA; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson and a brother, Robert.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Crawford County and the wonderful staff at Wesbury for their compassion and care of our husband, father and grandfather.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 12th from 10 to 11 a.m. at Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St., Meadville where a Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Sarah Roncolato, Pastor, officiating.  Military honors provided by VFW Post 2006.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St., Meadville, PA 16335 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.