James David Snyder passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 9, 2018 in Portland, Maine at the age of 72.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Debra Snyder, and son-in-law, Mark Storck of Bridgton, Maine, and grandchildren; Graham Lloyd and Raegan Storck; a brother, Allen Snyder, of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Kathryn (Givens) Snyder and a sister, Glenda Snyder of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
Jim was born and raised in Pennsylvania and graduated from Monessen High School with the class of 1964. Many of his schoolmates remained lifelong friends. Following his school years, Jim worked a variety of jobs and enjoyed going on numerous adventures. He traveled to Antarctica and New Zealand by ship on a research expedition. Professionally, Jim was a Cartographer for NOAA then became a Master Mechanic for the Department of Defense working in several locations throughout the country. Following retirement, Jim began a second 20-year career working at Interchange Parts in Everett, Pennsylvania where he had numerous close friends.
Jim was a lifelong hunter, competitive shooter, and also enjoyed collecting and repairing guns. A highlight of his life was the annual deer-hunting season that he shared with his closest friends from Maine and Pennsylvania. Although he wasn't political, he was a strong advocate of the 2nd amendment and believed in personal freedom and the rights of all. Jim enjoyed history, adventures on his Harley, and was a trivia champion. Jim deeply loved his dogs, Rocky and Moose, and was eager to see them again in Heaven. Jim was vastly loved and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
The family would like to thank Connie Polomski, Pierre Gosseaux, and the Conrad Family for their dedicated friendship and support surrounding Jim’s illness. They would further like to thank the hospice staff in both Pennsylvania and Maine for their exceptional care.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1pm on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at The HeartGlow Center in Bridgton, Maine with a Celebration of Life immediately following. Jim’s daughter, Rev. Dr. Debra Snyder will officiate the ceremony. Jim wanted a party to celebrate his life and asks guests to dress casually and have some fun. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Jim’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to The HeartGlow Center at 328 Main Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 or online at www.heartglow.org