James W. Ferguson

JAMES FERGUSON

James W. Ferguson, 81, of Jersey Shore, passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2025. Jim was born in Lock Haven in 1944, the son of James and Shirley Cook Ferguson, of Flemington.

He is survived by Anna, his wife of 61 years; his son William Ferguson (Cindy); his sister, Jeanne Kyle (Francis); and grandchildren, Will, Beatrice, Parker, Max and Alex. He was predeceased by his son James Scott Ferguson (Heidi).

Jim graduated from B.E.N. High School and Lock Haven State College and was employed as a science teacher at Sugar Valley High School for 14 years. Jim and Anna resided in Flemington after marrying, where he was active as a volunteer firefighter, ambulance crew and served on the Borough Council. After relocating to the Jersey Shore area in 1976, he went on to work in the insurance business. Jim opened his own agency in Jersey Shore, Ferguson Erie Insurance, and retired in 2015.

Jim was an active Christian and a founding member of Crossroads Church in Jersey Shore, where he served as an overseer. He loved nature, the outdoors, beautiful vistas and watching wildlife of all kinds with Anna. He passed that love on to his sons. Jim and his boys hunted deer with Anna’s family in Bradford County for many years. He taught his sons how to fly fish for trout, and their fly fishing trip to Montana was a special memory.

Jim and Anna had a long and adventure-filled marriage. They enjoyed trips long and short, traveling to 48 of the 50 states as well as Europe. They wintered in Florida for many years and went on 10 cruises. Jim’s favorite destination was Yellowstone National Park, but the landscape of central Pa. remained the place he loved best. Jim loved his wife and family deeply and always joked that he loved Anna “more than a Mack Truck.” He was an avid sports fan and Anna and Jim held PSU football season tickets for many years. He enjoyed food of all kinds, the more unusual, the better! He especially loved to eat venison and Cindy’s applesauce. He was known for his “witty banter” and story telling, too! He was well-read and a “trivia master.” Jim loved having a family dog, owning a number of them over his life, and he had a special relationship with his grand-dog “Lucy” who visited him frequently. Jim loved to tell stories about his grandchildren to anyone who would listen!

“Fergie” had a big, loving personality. He was the life of the party. He laughed loud, lived big, loved boundlessly and left a legacy. He will be remembered. He will be missed.

Memorial Service to be held at Crossroads Church, Jersey Shore, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Viewing at 10 a.m. Worship service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Crossroads Church Mission Support accepted.

Arrangements entrusted to Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home.