James R. Lauffer

James R. Lauffer 73 of Mount Pleasant PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell C. and Margaret S. Lauffer, and survived by the mother of his children, Loretta Donaldson Lauffer of 43 years, two sons Russell Scott (Rusty) Lauffer with fianc' Putt of Irwin and Timothy Michael (Mike) Lauffer and his wife Nicole of Mt. Pleasant Twp. Grandchildren are Ashley Lauren Lauffer, Riley Elizabeth Lauffer and Colton James Lauffer. He is also survived by brother, Larry R. Lauffer, and his wife, Becky , and his niece Aleshia Lauffer and nephew Joshua James Lauffer. Jim grew up in Hempfield Twp outside Manor. During his early life he was known my many as Sweetmilk. Later in life he was known for his love of Jesus. He often said that 'He was ready to meet his maker' . . . 'Are you'? Jim was the Irwin High School Class President in 1957. In 1962 Jim graduated from Shippensburg State University with a B.S. in Accounting. He received a Master of Business Administration degree from Duquesne University in 1972. During the same year he graduated from Graduate School of Banking of Wisconsin. Other schools attended include: Bank Investment School at S.M.U. in Dallas, Texas in 1979, Senior Bank Officers School at Harvard in 1984 and the Senior Bank Officers School at Wharton in 1986. In 1994 he received the Jesse S. Heiges Distinguished Alumnus Award at Shippensburg State University and he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Association of Community Banks Hall of Fame in August 2004. During his banking career he was known by many as 'Chief'. He served as Chairman, President and C.E.O. of the First National Bank of Herminie from 1971 ' 2001. He was Chairman, President, C.E.O. of FNB Corp from 1983 ' 2001, Chairman of First Insurance Management from 1998 ' 2001, Chairman of Town and Country Mortgage from 1999 ' 2001, Chairman/President of Community Bank of Pennsylvania now known as PACB from 1980 ' 1981, Chairman/President of Independent Community Bank of America from 1993 ' 1994, Board Member of Independent Community Banks of Amer ica from 1983 ' 2002, Past Chairman of ICBA Financial Services Corporation of Memphis, Tenn. and of the Pennyslvania Banker Association Group. Past Board Member of ICBA Securities Corporation of Memphis, Tenn. and ICBA Mortgage Corporation of Arlington, VA. He was Director of Central Atlantic School of Banking on campus Bucknell University from 1988 ' 1991. Past member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Small Business Committee, past night instructor at Westmoreland County Community College. Past Board Member of Norwin Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Fla, Calvary Assembly Church of God in Irwin. Past Treasurer of Herminie Unit of the Salvation Army. Also belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Irwin and the Shrine in Pittsburgh. At the time of his death he was a member of the Word of Life Ministries in Greensburg. Before his heart transplant of September 25, 2001, he was an avid golfer. His love for the outdoors stretched out on to the golf course. He had the opportunity to golf in many great courses across the United States. After the heart transplant he participated in big game hunts in many of western states and Canada bagging trophy elk, black deer and bear which are proudly displayed in his home. Aside from his passion for our Lord, Jim loved to teach. He served as a mentor to many throughout his long career. We speak on behalf of the many whose lives were forever touched by you . . . Thank you and we will miss you. A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at 11AM, Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Word of Life Ministries Church 4497 Route 136 Greensburg, PA 15601 with Pastor Henry Taliercio officiating. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Artificial Heart Program C/O Dr. Robert Kormos UPMC Presbyterian 200 Lothrop Street Suite C 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Arrangements are under direction of the SALOOM-REGA FUNERAL SERVICE, INC 730 W. Main Street Mount Pleasant (724-547-2122). Please visit www.saloom-rega.com to send a condolence. Richard Rega, funeral director.