James M. Oswalt Sept. 15, 1930-April 18, 2023

James M. Oswalt, 92, Altoona, passed peacefully at his residence Tuesday morning. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Walter and Jennie (Lazar) Oswalt. James is survived by his four children: Michael Oswalt and Melanie of Long Island, NY, Elizabeth Trexler and James of Altoona, Susan Oswalt of Altoona and Christine Hainley and Fred of Tucson, AZ; six grandchildren: Matthew (Cammie), Mark (Ange), David (Vanessa), Jessica (Michael), Sarah and Hannah; nine great-grandchildren: Harper, Julian, Keagan, Cameron, Dominic, Adam, Hazel, Chase, Aviana; beloved long-time partner, Padget Burkey of Altoona and her family, Val and LuAnn Mignogna and their children: Skyler, Alexa and Meghann. James was a 1948 graduate of Altoona High School, where he was President of the Senior Class and lettered in three varsity sports: football, basketball and track. He received his master’s degree in education from Penn State University and Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maryland. He served in the U.S. Army Security Agency for 20 years, retiring in 1971 as a Lt. Colonel. James distinguished himself by earning the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit. Following his military experience, James was employed in public education, first as a Guidance Counselor at Altoona High School and then as a High School Vice-Principal at Chief Logan in Mifflin County. James was instrumental in consolidating Kishacoquillas High School and Chief Logan High School into Indian Valley High School and was its first Principal. After entering full retirement, James became active in numerous volunteer groups, such as, Mifflin County 2000, Blair County Meals on Wheels, Blair Chamber BASICS, Penn State Altoona Alumni Society and Altoona Area School District Foundation Board. Friends will be received from 10-11 am, Monday, April 24, 2023 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602. A funeral service will be immediately following in the Stevens Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Tavis Stauffer. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in James memory to: AASD Foundation, attention: Paula Foreman, 1201 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.