Obituary of James W. Armstrong

James W. Armstrong, 81, of Syracuse, New York passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2004 due to a sudden illness. James was born August 3, 1923 in Winslow, Pennsylvania the son of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Maughan) Armstrong. He was a resident of Syracuse since 1954 after moving here from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He founded Auto Damage Appraisers Inc. which he ran for over 30 years and was still employed there until his death. He was formerly Claims Manager at General Motors Insurance Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was also a former partner of Wilcox Travel Agency in Syracuse. Jim served during World War II in the Field Artillery for 3 ? years. He served in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy and fought throughout Europe during the war. He was honored with the Bronze Star for Bravery and five Battle Stars including Battle of the Bulge. Jim was very active in the community as a member of the Dewitt Kiwanis Club where he served twice as President. He was a member, Past Master and presently Chaplin of Fayetteville Central City Lodge 305 F&AM. He was a former member of the Syracuse Claim Organization, IADA and American Legion. He was an avid sportsman and had many memories and experiences on the St. Lawrence River where he and his wife raised their family at their summer home on Wellesley Island. Survivors: Wife of 56 years, the former Rosemary C. York; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Debra Armstrong, their six sons, Brett, Chad, Jamie and Ross Armstrong and Lt. Don and Adam Piron; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Christine Armstrong, their three children, Brandon, Ashleigh and Aryanna; several niece and nephews. Services: Saturday, November 6, 2004, 9:30 a.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home. Burial: Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, New York. Calling Hours: Friday, November 5, 2004, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York.