James Clark Montecalvo

James Clark Montecalvo 26, of Washington, died at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, June 7th in Shadyside Hospital, following his admirable battle against the little understood J.C. Virus. He was born on July 1, 1981, in Washington, and was the son of Guy V. and Marie D. Montecalvo. Jim was a 2000 graduate of Washington High School and participated in football, golf, basketball and track. He was the Senior Class President and a member of the National Honor Society. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bethany College in 2004 and was the recipient of the John J. Knight Award, recognizing his outstanding scholarship and performance among sport communication majors. He was a member of the Bethany College Golf team and served as a manger/assistant to the football staff. He enjoyed golfing and fishing, and spending time with friends and family. His love for sports and his brilliant memory led to his career as a sports writer for the Observer-Reporter for the past three years. He had a special passion for creating stories of human interest in the field of athletics. As testimony to the inspiration his life provided for others; and for the grace, dignity and courage with which he faced his battles, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame named Jim the “Second Wind Award Winner” in 2000. His life long battle with an immune deficiency disorder, and his triumph over two forms of cancer and many other illnesses has encouraged others in their trials to never give up. Surviving in addition to his parents, are two sisters, Suzanne and Laura Montecalvo; a paternal grandmother, Jeannine Montecalvo of Washington and maternal grandparents, Ed and Margie Clark of Bedford, PA.; aunts, Rosemary Bigley (Robert) of McMurray; Wendy Clark of Bedford, uncles James Clark (RossAnn), John Clark (Cindy) of Imler and Dan Clark of Coatsville; his great uncle James Montecalvo (Dorothy) for whom he was named; great aunts Rose Mazzie and Milly (Nello) Marry; and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Guy Montecalvo; and an uncle, William H. Clark; and numerous great aunts and uncles. Friends of James Clark Montecalvo, 26, of Washington, who died on Saturday, June 7, 2008, will be received on Monday, from 7 to 9 PM, and on Tuesday, from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM, in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, from 11 AM to 1 PM, the time of services, in the First Christian Church, 615 E. Beau Street, Washington. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery. Family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Western Region/Washington Unit, PO Box 275, Washington, PA 15301.