Howard James Hockenberry Jr.
Howard James “Jim” Hockenberry Jr., 63, of Slippery Rock passed away Wednesday morning at his home after a brief illness.
Howard, or “Jim” as he was known by all of his coworkers, was a project superintendent for commercial construction for 40 years. He supervised projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Belize, South America, Florida and several other states. He personally built the home in which he and his wife shared in Slippery Rock for 23 years with few contractors to assist him.
Howard enjoyed hunting and target shooting with Rhonda at Grove City Sportsmen's Club, where he was a member. They enjoyed spending time together on their pontoon boat fishing at Pymatuning Lake. He was a wood worker and a furniture maker creating several original pieces for family members that were one of a kind. He also enjoyed making wine, creating his own recipes and sharing his creations with family and friends.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Rhonda Gail Stillwagon Hockenberry; his mother, Kathryn McCandless Hockenberry of Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Grove City; two sisters, Rosalyn Fradel (Joshua) of Ocean City, Md., and Jean Ann Bartley and her companion, Tracy Frampton, of Slippery Rock; his sister-in-law, Karen Kellogg (Jim) of Slippery Rock; seven nieces; one nephew; two great-nieces; three great-nephews; and his two devoted dogs, Whisper and Bailey.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard J. Hockenberry Sr.; his father-in-law, Jessie Stillwagon; and his mother-in-law, Delores Edwards Stillwagon.
HOCKENBERRY — Family of Howard James “Jim” Hockenberry Jr., who died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, will receive friends from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.A private memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. for immediate family members. The Rev. Willard Morse will officiate. Interment will be in Prairie Cemetery in Harrisville.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the VNA of Western Pennsylvania.
