James E. Abbott

   James E. "River Jim" Abbott, of Titusville, died Sunday.
   Born and raised in Titusville, he was a lifelong resident, who served his community throughout his life in many capacities.
   Upon his graduation from Pennington Central High School in 1944, he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Okinawa and the Pacific Theater until 1946.
   Mr. Abbott was the owner of Abbott’s Marine Center, a business that began in 1948 in the basement of his parents’ home on Grant Street and relocated to River Road where it expanded and thrived for more than 32 years, selling boats, outboard motors, canoes and marine equipment and supplies. From this location he also operated Abbott’s Canoe Rental. After selling his business he enjoyed "semi-retirement" for a brief period, before he took the job of overseeing the boating and safety operations on Lake Mercer for the next 10 years for the Mercer County Park Commission.
   His knowledge and love of the Delaware River earned him the nickname "River Jim." He was involved in hundreds of rescue and recovery operations since the 1940s. For 51 years he served as head of boat security for the annual re-enactment of Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware on Christmas Day, ensuring the safety of all participants.
   His service to his community began in 1943 when he became a junior volunteer with the Union Fire Department. Shortly thereafter he helped to form the river rescue and recovery squad. He served his community for the next 60 years, holding 11 different offices in the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, as well as being first vice president, trustee and historian. His most recent honor was having an ambulance bay at the firehouse dedicated in his name for his 60+ years of service to the fire company and rescue squad.
   Mr. Abbott also was a member of the Titusville Boat and Ski Club, the Titusville Presbyterian Church, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla "64" and was a model railroading hobbyist.
   Son of the late William R. and Lavinia Abbott and predeceased by his brother Richard Abbott and sister Helen Fink, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth Hansbury Abbott; his daughters and sons-in-law; Lynn and Ralph Rich, Judy and Robert Niederer, Janice Abbott and Vince Belardo, Virginia and Rich Horner, Irene Abbott, Karen Abbott and Diane and Dave Hemmer; eight grandchildren; Ralph and Lisa Rich, Jennifer and Laura Niederer, Emma and Anna Belardo, Zachary Cooper and Lydia Hemmer; a sister Virginia Parks; and several nieces and nephews and many, friends.
   A funeral service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Titusville Presbyterian Church, River Drive, with the Rev. Timothy Slemmons, pastor, officiating.
   Burial will be in Titusville Methodist Cemetery.
   Friends may call Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at the Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, Pennington Circle, and Friday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the church.
   Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the memorial fund of the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Route 29, Titusville, 08560.
   For further information or to send a condolence, visit www.wilsonapple.com.