Stoneboro - James O. "Jim" Bortz, Sandy Lake, passed away Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Marquette Hospice House, Meadville, after a brief illness. He was 85.

He was born Sept. 16, 1940, in Mercer Cottage Hospital to Myron H. and Helen E. Hazi Bortz.

Jim was a 1958 graduate of Lakeview High School. He worked many years as a supervisor in the foundry at the Cooper-Bessemer, Grove City, and then worked several years as a courier for the Mercer County State Bank. Also, along with wife Linda, owned and operated Bortz Dairy Isle at Lake Wilhelm for several years.

Jim loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a member of the Sandy Lake Sportsmen's Club and also the Jackson Field and Stream Club. Most of all Jim was an avid gardener and loved to tinker and make things.

He married Linda J. Murray Oct. 20, 1962, and she survives in Bellefonte, Pa. Surviving are a daughter, Jennifer L. Bortz and her partner Bob Lynn, Bellefonte; and a son, James P. Bortz, Cody, Wy.; and a sister, Barb Heckman, Jackson Center. Also Jim leaves behind his cat "Squirt" who will miss him.

Preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard "Dick" Bortz and a nephew, Patrick Heckman.