Obituary of James Lawrence Poole

James Lawrence Poole, of Youngstown, NY, passed away on November 1, 2024, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. He was 79. Born in Baltimore, MD to Lawrence Anderson and Margaret (nee Freeman) Poole on January 25, 1945, James attended high school at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He married the former Nancy Goodpasture on November 27, 1966, in Marion, VA. He joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and served in Germany, followed by a tour of duty in Vietnam where as captain, he served as an advisor to the Vietnamese Army. On his return to the U.S., he earned his Master of Engineering from Virginia Tech, and then served at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds where his daughters Anne and Mary Margaret were born. He received several commendations during his time in the Army, including the Meritorious Service Medal, a Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. James spent his career at DuPont de Nemours, Inc., starting in Memphis, TN and transferring to Niagara Falls, NY in 1980. He managed the plant’s Sodium unit and later the Niachlor facility, and continued after his retirement as a safety consultant. He loved his family cottage in Georgian Bay, Ontario, where the trio of Poole brothers (known as ‘Drip, Drop and Splash') and their families spent the happiest of times, and to where he invited a large group of dear friends for over 35 summers. He was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Youngstown, was a former runner (and finisher of the 1983 Niagara Falls International Marathon), an avid golfer and award-winning photographer of birds, a lover of classical music, an enthusiastic supporter of his children's and grandchildren’s endeavors, and loved serving others in his community. For the past 12 years, he was a volunteer for the AARP tax aid program and helped prepare over 1,000 tax returns for seniors. Besides his parents, James is pre-deceased by a brother, Donald Poole. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy; loving daughters, Anne Poole of Aiken, SC, and Mary Margaret (Jed) Clinch of Youngstown, NY; cherished grandsons Charlie and William; caring brother, Brian (Bonnie) Poole and sister-in-law Jeanette Poole. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the friends and family who have provided love and support; we are very blessed. Arrangements entrusted to the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC. Plans for a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. If desired, memorials may be made to Episcopal Relief and Development, or to the Hope Center of Williamsville, NY. Please share condolences at www.HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com..