James Stanley Short

October 4, 1921 – August 13, 2018

James Stanley "Stan" Short, 96, died peacefully Monday, August 13, 2018 after a brief illness. Born in Homestead Pennsylvania October 4, 1921 to Waverly and Susie (Graves) Short, he was the eldest of eight children. As a young child he displayed his adventurous spirit and love of outdoors. He was known to often lose track of time as he climbed the hills of his hometown with rifle in hand. Early in live he became fascinated with the engineering of automobiles an interest he nurtured throughout his adult life.

He distinguished himself in heroic service to his country during WWII, in his employment with the United State postal service during 24 years of service and as a respected business owner of Stan and Son providing expert repair services for automobiles and leisure boats for more than 60 years.

Stanley Short was a proud World War II veteran. He was his platoon's Staff Sergeant of Engineer Company, he concluded his military service in 1945. His service earned recognition during his tour of duty through Central Europe, including Rhineland Germany, during the most difficult days of WWII. His exemplary and courageous leadership was acknowledged with multiple Bronze Star medals.

His love for life and learning continued throughout his life. Never afraid to take on a challenge he completed a computer science course at Mountain View College in his 80s and was proud of his new found technology vocabulary and skills with the "Blue E" but by his own admission could not master access to voice mail on his smart phone. He was an expert carpenter, designer, avid reader (particularly fond of Louis L'Amour) and lover of animals. As a young man he briefly pursued professional boxing and was respected as a formidable 8 ball pool player until he experienced declining health in Spring 2018.

He leaves to mourn his transition his beloved wife, Margaret Short; daughter Susan Short Jones and husband Roland; daughter Marilyn Jeanette Short; son Patrick Melvin Short and wife Tonja, sister, Mildred Allen, six grandchildren, David Sockwell II, LaTrina Smith, Shamira James, Shameka Short, Shannon Short, Gloria Miller and Patrice Johnson and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and my other family friends. His Mother – Susie Short, father – Waverly Short, step-son - David Sockwell, son - Stanley James Short Jr.; brothers- Morris Short, Joseph Short, Herbert Short, Edward Short and Melvin Short; and sisters -Alzera Harris and Betty Jean Lee preceded him in death.

Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be, a resting place along the road to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way, we all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay. Our destination is a place far greater than we know, for some, the journey's quicker, for some the journey's slow. and when the journey finally ends, we'll claim a great reward, and find an everlasting peace, together with the Lord.