Obituaries
James Marlin “Jim” McNaul, 84
November 27, 2020
James Marlin “Jim” McNaul, 84, of Maytown, PA passed away peacefully Friday November 27, 2020 with his loving wife by his side.
Born March 1, 1936, in Clearfield, PA, he was the son of the late James W. and Elsie R. (Bloom) McNaul.
Jim graduated from Curwensville High School in 1954; served honorably in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957 on the USS John Hood and six more years in the Naval Reserve; graduated from Shippensburg State College in 1961 with a BS in Business Education and Accounting; and obtained a Master’s of Science in Education from Bucknell University in 1967.
On July 15, 1961 he married his “Sweeter” Joan Fenstermacher and they shared 59 years together, beginning in Canton, PA where they started their careers in education. Jim taught business and accounting and in 1983 he became the Director of Guidance and proudly mentored students until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement Jim served on the Canton Area School Board for 8 years. He was a member of the Canton Lions club for 42 years, serving as President and Secretary. After 44 years in Canton they moved to Hummelstown, PA where they lived for 15 years.
Jim and Joan loved to travel, taking road trips with their boys to the beach and to many historical locations. In retirement, along with their travel buddies from the Canton area, Jim and Joan explored the world – Australia, South America, Africa, and Europe. They made myriad cross-country road trips that included visits to several of the beautiful national parks in the United States. They also loved to dine out and enjoyed many years as members of the Wheel Inn Club in Roaring Branch, PA.
A sports enthusiast, Jim was a Pittsburgh Steeler fan since 1936 and an avid college football fan. He was a high school football referee and wrestling official in the Northern Tier for over 20 years. He enjoyed lifting weights and being active. He could often be seen walking around his neighborhood to keep fit or meticulously tending to his yard of which he was very fond. Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply loved his family.
To cherish his memory, Jim leaves his wife: Joan McNaul; two sons: Mike McNaul husband of Kathleen (Strozyk); Doug McNaul husband of Lisa (Smyth); as well as three grandchildren: Megan (Sean) Obetz, Kelsey McNaul, and Mia McNaul. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister: Cynthia McNaul.
Funeral services for James are private and being conducted at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place at Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, PA where military honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Jim can be made to the Canton Green Free Library, 38 N. Center Street Canton, PA 17724 or to a charity of one’s choice.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
February 24, 2022
We were neighbors for years on E. 2nd St, Canton, and better neighbors you could not find. My heartfelt sympathy to Joan and the boys.
Barb Packard Clark
December 18, 2020
Joan, Mike and Doug – I would like to express my condolences regarding the passing of your husband and father. Mr. McNaul was my business teacher at Canton High School, and he was my favorite teacher. May God provide comfort and peace to each of you and your families during this difficult time.
Linda Lee Merritt
December 11, 2020
My sincerest sympathies to your family and saddened to hear of your loss. Mr. McNaul was truely influential to many during our high school years and provided us with guidance towards our future, having a hand in where many of us are today. Thank you for ‘sharing’ him. Cherish your memories and know my thoughts are with you.
Brenda Wiley (Kelley)
December 04, 2020
Mrs. McNaul/Mike/Doug:
so sorry to hear of your loss. I always loved Jim’s dry sense of humor. Especially when it went over the heads of half the class! He was a great educator- one of the big reasons I ended up in the accounting field.
Jim (and all of you) made Canton a better community. We were fortunate to have known ye.
John and Kim Brenchley
December 03, 2020
A great educator, superb guidance conselor, and even better firend, rest in peace, Jim. The world will be a lesser place.
William Jones
December 02, 2020
Joan, I am so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I haven’t known the two of you for long, but I’ve learned enough about the two of you to know you were devoted to each other, and you exemplified the vows you took when you were married. As I said to you when I last saw you, he was a sweet man, and I will always remember him fondly. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Stacy Achen
December 02, 2020
Brenda and I were very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I have many fond memories of Jim. When I first started teaching over 40 years ago the Mcnaul family often welcomed me in their home. They looked after the new guy in town and made me feel welcome. Jim really loved sports and supported me as a wrestling coach. I remember trips to Lock Haven to watch Clearfield compete against my former team. Jim loved the Canton School District and community and was always involed in giving back. In closing Mr. McNaul was a first class human being who lived a life of service.
WILLIAM HOLLANDIII
December 01, 2020
Doug I am truly sorry and saddened to hear about your loss. Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. May his soul rest in peace. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help during these tough times.
Hasan Yakisan
November 30, 2020
Please accept my sympathy in your loss of Mr. McNaul. He was an amazing guidance counselor with a kind heart and a wise mind. I wanted his family to know that he is the reason I became a nurse 25 years ago. He told me he thought that profession would suit me and here I am all these years later. Proud to be a nurse, and always thankful for Mr McNaul’s guidance.
Jenny Stone
November 30, 2020
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was one of the good guys. A great teacher (one of my favorites) always trying to make class fun and most of a great person. He always had a smile and kind word to say. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
Nancy Morgan
November 30, 2020
RIP dear friend. Condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.
John Vineski
November 30, 2020
Dear Mrs. McNaul, Mike, Doug, Kathy, Lisa, and girls,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mr. Jim is one of a kind and will live on in so many memories. He’ll be sorely missed. Sending love, hugs, and prayers as you all work through your grief. Know he is loved and respected by so many and that is his legacy….
Susie McNett
November 30, 2020
To Joan, Mike and Doug…
We are truly saddened to learn of Mr. McNauls passing. (To the CHS class of 1962 he was Mr. McNaul…back in the day.) Never was there a teacher and friend with so much compassion and caring for his students..a gentleman we shall never forget. Our deepest sympathy to his families.
Dick and Judy (Osipovitch) Kelley , Brenda and Greg and Families
November 30, 2020
I am so very sorry to learn of Mr. McNaul’s passing. It took me years to call him “Jim,” as I had such great respect for him.
He was a class act, through and through, and was my excellent mentor when I began teaching business subjects at Canton High School in 1975.
Jim was a great teacher and Guidance Counselor–caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable.
Ann Marshall Griffith
November 30, 2020
I’am very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing he was one of the greatest. Many memories of his great kindness, sending much love to Joan ,Mike ,Doug and his grandkids.
Nettie Morgan
November 30, 2020
Dear Mrs. McNaul,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. It is a difficult time, but I have been in your place 20 years ago. I know you can keep Jim’s spirit alive…..keep talking about him, his funny ways, funny things he would say, and stories. It WILL help.
Now Jim..hmmm Mr McNaul….was a teacher when I was in school, but I really got to know him when he and Jim Arnold were pool managers when i was a lifeguard.
It certainly was a pleasure to have known your husband and had worked with him.
Carol Rechel
November 29, 2020
Mr. McNaul was one of my favorite teachers in high school. My condolences to the family.
Cindy(Kendall) Castle
November 29, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. McNaul’s passing. He was one of my dad’s best friends and my former neighbor. Love to Joan, Mike and Doug❤️
Sue Arnold Bowers
