James Courson, 74, of Sugar Grove, passed away on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at home, after an extended illness.

He was born on October 28th, 1950 in Jamestown, NY, to the late Richard Courson and Beatrice Ingerson. After school, James enlisted in the National Guard and served as a tank operator. From there, he went to work  in the manufacturing industry, most recently in quality control at Cummins in Ashville, NY. On April 1, 1972, he married his love, Nita, and they began their family together. James was very active in the Sugar Grove Vol. Fire Dept. for over 30 years, where he held several officer positions over the years. He was an avid Dirt Track racing fan and enjoyed his weekends spent at local dirt tracks, most notably State Line Speedway, and was a member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. Of all of his activities and his accomplishments, he took great pride in his family, especially his grandchildren attending every event of theirs whether in person or virtual.  Spending beach vacations together, whether it was in Virginia Beach or their favorite spot Destin, FL, James loved his time with those closest to him.

Along with his wife, Nita, James is survived by his children, Keith (Wendy) Courson of Allen, TX, Stephen (Katie) Courson of Russell and Stacy (Stephen) Long of Erie; his sister, Nancy (Thom) Bennett of Erie and his step sister, Kathleen; his grandchildren, Madison & Megan, Laura, Rachael & Anna, and Andrew & Jack and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Donna.

Friends and family will be received on Monday, November 25th, 2024 at the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church, 210 Jamestown St, Sugar Grove, PA 16350, from 1pm-3pm at which time a memorial service will be held there with the Pastor PJ Cathcart, officiating.  Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Sugar Grove Vol. Fire Dept., 27 Wilson St, P.O. Box 259, Sugar Grove, PA, 16350 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave. Warren, PA 16365, or to the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church.

The Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at nelsonfuneralhome.net.