Ira James “Jim” Host, 86, of Pleasantville, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Titusville Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Tylersburg on July 17, 1930 to the late Wesley H. and Gertrude C. Blum Host.

Jim attended Farmington High School.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 1, 1948 in Erie, and was honorably discharged on May 31, 1952 at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, OH.

Jim married Rose Eileen Baker on August 17, 1953 in Lucinda at St. Joseph’s Church. She preceded him in death on November 26, 2014.

He worked as a cold mill roller at Universal Cyclops Specialty Steel Corp. for thirty eight years.

Jim was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Tionesta.

He was a member of the Titusville Sportsman’s Club, Sons of Lake Erie (Save Our Native Species), Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW, F & AM Lodge 754, Lodge of Perfection in Oil City, Consistory of New Castle, and the Assc. Mem. Air Force Museum at Wright Peterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors, flying airplanes, going to Canada, spending time with family, taking his great nieces and nephews to the zoo and circus, and going out to eat.

He is survived by a brother, Forrest Host of Titusville; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; two sister in laws, JoAnn Lander and husband Francis J., Sr. of Oil City, and Setsuko Host of Buffalo, NY; and two brother in laws, Frank Baker and wife Judith and Daniel L. Baker and wife Donna both of Lucinda.

Jim was preceded in death by two sisters, Dian Johnson and Maribelle Brooks; and two brothers, Richard L. Host and Phillip Host.

Friends and family may call at Hennes-Garrett Funeral Home, 203 East Main Street, Titusville, PA 16354 on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM.

The funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, 112 Bridge Street, Tionesta, PA 16353 with Father Joseph Kalinowski officiating.

Interment will be in St. Josephs Cemetery in Lucinda.

Memorial contributions can be made to Venango County Humane Society, 286 S. Main St., Seneca, PA 16346 or to Camp Echo, (Congenital Heart Defects)care of Cheri Huefner, PO Box 92, Leeper, PA 16233.

Online condolences to the family can be made at www.garrettfuneralhomeinc.com