James W. Bashline
James W. Bashline, 90, of Butler died at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday in Sunnyview Home.
Born July 19, 1917, in Butler, he was the son of James Cecil Bashline and Eleanore McElroy Bashline.
Mr. Bashline was a sign painter who owned and operated Jimmy Bashline Signs for 60 years. He was a member of the First English Lutheran Church, and he attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He was an Army veteran, serving with the Quartermaster's Corp. at Camp Lee, Va. during WWII.
Jimmy was a well-known cartoon artist who also painted, sketched, carved and sculpted over his lifetime. His work was published in various national publications during WWII. Jimmy created the Jay Bee Circus, which he carved for over 50 years.
He was a member of and a former vice-president of the Associated Artists of Butler County, a member of the National Wood Carvers Association, the Butler County Historical Society, the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors, the Terrell Jacobs Ring Circus Model Builders and the American Legion Post 117.
Mr. Bashline is survived by his daughter, Aryl Bashline of Butler; his brother, Charles Bashline of Butler; and by one niece.
Mr. Bashline was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Heloise LaBorde Bashline, whom he married on Nov. 27, 1943, and who died July 7, 2005; and by one sister, Catherine "Sis" Hilliard.
<B>BASHLINE</B> — A memorial service for James W. Bashline, who died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, at the First English Lutheran Church with the Rev. James W. Dollhopf officiating. Interment will be in North Side Cemetery.Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Regional Office, One Station Square, The Landmark Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.Arrangements by <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>. Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.