James L. Pinkerton

James L. Pinkerton, 72, died on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, at his home in Leland, N.C.

He was born in Kittanning, Pa., July 26, 1949, to the late James and Agnes Kathleen “Kate” (Luke) Pinkerton.

Jim, better known to his friends as “Pinky,” graduated from Kittanning High School in 1969. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, before graduation. In the Army, Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter M-16 and M-14, and an honorable discharge. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 10, a lifetime member of the VFW and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Jim was employed by Eljer Plumbingware, until forced into retirement in 1994, due to injuries from a direct lightning strike. While working at Eljer, he served as a union representative and was a volunteer Fireman / EMT for Hose Company No. 6 in Kittanning.

His favorite hobbies were fishing, hunting, miniature trains and his flower gardens. He hunted and fished avidly, while in Pennsylvania. In his new surroundings of Florida and North Carolina, he took up ocean fishing, growing orchids and experimenting with other types of gardens.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Anna Pallone Pinkerton; his son, James E. Pinkerton, of Natrona Heights, Pa., and his granddaughter, Norah Lee Pinkerton. His three step sons are: Benjamin A. Waugaman and Cindy Waugaman, of Fenelton, Brent A. Waugaman, of Worthington and Brian A. Waugaman and Betsy Jo Waugaman, of Ford City. Jim had 15 step grandchildren: Amanda Haslett and Chris Mills, Justin Waugaman, Emma Wilson and Daniel James Wilson, Samuel Waugaman, Kelly Waugaman, Marie Waugaman, Andrew Waugaman, Nathan Waugaman, John Waugaman, Ila Waugaman, Patience Waugaman, Everly Waugaman and Zephaniah Waugaman. He also had four step great-grandchildren: Aiden Haslett, Liliana Haslett, Greyson Mills and Hudson Wilson. Jim loved being a “Pappy” and “Grandpa Jim.” He shared many activities with the grands, FaceTimes, his strawberries and dip, fishing times and playing dollies. He was always trying to make everyone smile. He figured that if he was having a pain filled day he could still make others laugh and have a better day.

Jim is survived by his siblings: Randy L. Pinkerton, of Demorest, Ga., Danny R. Pinkerton, of Mt. Airy, Ga. and Patty Sue (Pinkerton) Smith, of Bradenton, Fla. There are also many nieces and nephews, who remember fun times with their uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda (Pinkerton) Lockhart; and one brother, David L. Pinkerton.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at the Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, with Pastor Joel Kinnard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to the Armstrong County Honor Guard, PO Box 209, Kittanning, PA 16201 or to pilot missionary training for a student friend of our family at Moody Aviation, 6719 E. Rutter Ave., Spokane, WA 99212 and be sure to include the name Caleb Klement and student ID #4286132 on the memo box.

Interment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates, Worthington.

For more information or to sign the online guestbook, please visit: welchfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James L. Pinkerton, please visit our floral store.