BOND

JAMES

It is with profound love and deep admiration that we celebrate the extraordinary life of James, a man of remarkable character, steadfast integrity, and boundless warmth. Born on March 3, 1931, James lived a life that spanned continents, careers, and decades of selfless devotion to family, community, and the people that he cherished.

A Life Forged in Courage

James came of age in the shadow of World War II, enduring the hardships of wartime England as a child - experiences that shaped in him a resilience and quiet strength that would define his entire life. Raised on a farm in Chesterfield, England, he developed an early appreciation for hard work, the land, and the simple dignities of honest living.

A man of service and ambition, James answered the call of duty by enlisting in the Royal Army, where he served his country with honor. From there, he carried his dedication to public service into a career as a "Bobby" - a London police officer - protecting his community with the same principled commitment that would follow him throughout his life.

A Pioneer in Engineering and Safety

James' remarkable intellect and ambition led him to Dowty Mining and Engineering Company, where he climbed the ranks through skill, determination, and a visionary engineering mind. In 1967, he crossed the Atlantic to America, tasked with the mission of finding land and establishing a British mining presence in the United States.

His dream became reality in 1981, when he broke ground for Dowty's American facility in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania - a milestone that stands as a testament to his perseverance and pioneering spirit. As a lead engineer, James designed and created hydraulic supports for mines across the world, personally inspecting mines and overseeing the precise placement of lifts to ensure the safety of miners. His legacy in that regard is extraordinary: not a single mine where James had hydraulic lifts installed ever collapsed. Safety was not merely a professional obligation for James - it was his calling.

A Heart Full of Family

In America, James met Elaine Hovance and her family of six children. Without hesitation, James embraced them all. Together, he and Elaine built a full life for their family, welcoming grandchildren and sharing in the beauties of everyday living. After Elaine's passing from cancer in 1993, James did not falter in his love for the family they had built, continuing to nurture and support each child and grandchild with his distinctive British warmth.

A Love That Filled Every Day

After Elaine's passing, James' life was graced once more when he met the beautiful and loving Norma Windstein, a woman with a heart of pure gold. Together for 31 years, James and Norma were inseparable - adventuring to England, Scotland, Canada, and across the United States, volunteering for their community and church, and pouring their love into their extended family. They asked for nothing in return but love and peace.

When Norma passed on March 8, 2026, James' heart broke in a way that words cannot fully capture. She was his true love, his companion in every sunrise and every adventure - and he longed deeply to be reunited with her. That longing, those who knew him say, was a measure of just how fully and completely he loved.

His Enduring Legacy

James delighted in sharing his British heritage with his grandchildren, teaching them about English customs and traditions with a proud twinkle in his eye. He held a particular fondness for ice skating - a talent he had honed with grace during his teenage years - and quietly hoped one of the little ones might one day glide across the ice and carry on that tradition.

Though James became a proud American citizen, he never lost his love for England and held his beloved Queen Elizabeth in the highest esteem. He was a man of two worlds, enriching both wherever he ventured.

Surrounded by Love

James spent his final days on "vacation" at his daughter's and son-in-law's home (Kate and Jerry), enjoying his favorite foods, watching his favorite movies, reminiscing about Chesterfield, England, and surrounded by love.

Survived By

James leaves behind a legacy of love stretching across generations: children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved and cherished each and every one in his own unique, but unmistakably British, way - with steadiness, humor, mischief, and an open heart. His family will remain forever bonded to him through unwavering love.

"I'm Bond, James Bond"

"Fair to midland"

"Whatever"

"I've thought about it - and I am a good man"

"It is what it is, and they are what they are - good or bad makes no difference. Everyone just wants to be loved."

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Amedisys Foundation in James' honor: https://regions.billeriq.com/ebpp/AmedisysFoun (Hospice Location:113-PA-Butler) or via mail to Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Arrangements by SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES LTD., Bakerstown. www.schellhaasfh.com