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BORN
1934
DIED
2023
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James McCurdy Obituary
James McCurdy
September 29, 1934
January 19, 2023
James Richard McCurdy, 88, of Indiana, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023, while at UPMC Altoona.
The son of Clair and Vada (Weaver) McCurdy, he was born September 29, 1934, in Sagamore, PA. Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1977, having earned the rank of SMSGT.
Music was an important aspect of Jim's life. He was Director of the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps at the Air Force Academy (1970-77), the Band Director at Bishop Carroll High School (1978-85), and he performed with several big bands over the years. Jim also served as a houseparent for two years at Milton Hershey School. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, and the mountains.
Surviving is his wife, Elaine (Ziegler) McCurdy whom he wed in October of 1956; children, Greg (Heather) McCurdy, Keith McCurdy, and Lori Walton; grandchildren, Matt, Kira, Justin, and Joel; brother, Clair McCurdy; sister, Jean Langdon; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Hoover; and brother, Raymond McCurdy.
Friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 3 P.M. at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow in the Lefdahl Chapel. The interment will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McCurdy
3 Entries
Andrea Assenti
March 15, 2025
I have a book from his granpa to him dated Christmas 1941
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Barry Gamblin
January 26, 2023
I was a member of the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps under the tutelage Of Sgt Jim "Mac" McCurdy from 1972 to 1975. Mac's ability to arrange music for the corps and teach it to us was outstanding. I learned a lot about playing my instrument from him. It was definitely an honor and a privilege to have known him. I am very sorry for your loss.
Scott Crump
January 24, 2023
I am sorry I never met SMSgt (r) McCurdy however, we spoke on the phone earlier in 2022 about his time as the Director of the USAF Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps and his fond memories as the Director. My condolences to his family.
Scott Crump
Director/USAFA Cadet Drum & Bugle Corps
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