James Parks Gourley, of Packing Road, New Bethlehem, passed away in his sleep on the morning of September 27, 2016 at Clarview Nursing and Rehab. He was 90 years old. Born on October 5, 1925 in Little River, Florida, he was the son of the late Parks and Gladys (Hahn) Gourley. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He moved to Porter Township and lived with his Uncle Scott and went to the Porter School until he graduated. After high school, Jim served his country as a member of the United States Army during WWII, seeing action in the European Theater with General Patton's 3rd Army, 94th Infantry Division; receiving 2 Purple Hearts for injuries he sustained. Always having a smile on his face and a positive outlook on life, Jim lived the good life. He went to War, he got wounded twice, he returned, and found a great wife. He worked, he helped to raise a family of five, he went to church and he believed in God. He wore many hats, one of which was meat packing. Gourley Meat Packing Company was his livelihood for 60 years. He lead the company in growing to 20+ full-time employees. He was also known as a Gideon and enjoyed handing out Bibles wherever he was allowed. He really loved going to the New Bethlehem men's prayer breakfast and had been going there since it started 25 years ago. He was also very civic minded, serving on numerous boards and committees, raising money for many organizations. Always helping others within and outside the family, Jim was known for his deep love of church and community, helping many a wayward person. Jim was a past President of the Redbank Valley School Board, serving on the First National Bank board, past President of the Clarion Hospital Board, and serving on the Central Electric Cooperative Board. He was a member of the Gideons, the American Legion Post in New Bethlehem, the Clarion County Fair Board, the Leatherwood Anti-Horsethief Association, a founding member of the New Bethlehem Men's Prayer Breakfast, the New Bethlehem Food Pantry, the Porter Township PTA, Leatherwood Cemetery Association, Gift for Children of Parents in Prison, the United Way, and the Leatherwood Church Choir. Jim was a visionary. He was curious about any new developments, whether they were local or global, and everything in general. He was a life long learner who read everything he could. Most of all, he loved his wife, Fern. They were married on January 1, 1949. They honeymooned in Florida and Cuba. Jim was family oriented, hosting many family reunions and get togethers. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim is survived by his loving wife, Fern; his children, Larry Gourley and wife Janet, Shirley McDonald, Bob Gourley and wife Sue, Keith Gourley and wife Janice, and Allen Gourley and wife Faith; his thirteen grandchildren, Scott Gourley and wife Ember, Eric Gourley and wife Heather, Wendy Smith and husband Scott, Jeanine Root and husband Don, Heather Crum, Alexander Gourley and wife Lea, Olivia Gourley, Elizabeth Gourley, Becky Bruce and husband Daniel, Kelly Jaworski and husband Steve, Domino Cohn and husband Jason, Tiffany Gourley and Talon Gourley. He is also survived by his twenty great-grandchildren, Clara Gourley, Mia Gourley, Isaac Gourley, Jonas Gourley, Sarah Gourley, Samantha Gourley, Suzanna Gourley, Emily Gourley, Megan Gourley, Samuel Smith, Dawson Smith, Tyler Smith, Hannah Smith, Christopher McDonald, Elena Root, Caleb Root, Maura Root, Opal Bruce, Linden Bruce, and Finn Jaworski; and his brother-in-law, Myles Lees, Sr. In addition to his parents and siblings, Carol-Jean Lees and Jack Gourley, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Nathan Gourley. Memorial donations may be made to the Gideons, the Leatherwood Church, 889 Church Rd, New Bethlehem PA 16242, or the Cancer Center at Clarion Hospital, One Hospital Drive, Clarion PA 16214. Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion where Jim's family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday. An additional visitation will be held on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the Leatherwood Church, Porter Township. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Doug Henry, pastor, and Rev. Clayton Harriger, brother-in-law of the deceased, officiating. Military honors will be accorded graveside by the honor guard of the New Bethlehem American Legion at Leatherwood Cemetery immediately following the service. In Memoriam A precious One, from us has gone, A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our home Which never can be filled. God, in His wisdom, has recalled Our dear One, His love had given. And though his body slumbers now His soul is safe in heaven.