The Diocese is mourning the passing of a deacon
Deacon James Woomer passed on July 22, 2026, after a battle with leukemia.
He was 78 years old.
Deacon Woomer was ordained as a deacon of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on May 22, 2010, and was appointed to diaconal service at Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Altoona, where he served until his passing.
The following the full obituary for Deacon Woomer.
Deacon James L. Woomer, 78, of Altoona, passed away Wednesday morning at UPMC Shadyside-Pittsburgh following a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Charlotte (Wait) Woomer-Weight and his stepfather, Lester Weight.
Jim married Kathy M. Greene on May 3, 1969, at Bellwood United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years; his two sons: James L. Woomer, Jr. (Laurie) of Altoona and Brian Durica (Allison) of Roanoke, VA; four grandchildren: Sarah, Katherine, Isabella and Jackson Leo; a special niece: Kim Lewis (Jim) and their grandson, Ayven Lewis; his great-nieces: Heather Bartlebaugh (Travis) and their son, Trever and Jaime Lewis; also a great-nephew, Jeffrey Warner.
Jim was preceded in death by two sisters: Shirley Soyke (Bill) and Jean Warner (Leo); also, his stepbrother: Gerald Weight; a nephew, Jeff Warner and great-niece, Alicia Smith.
He was a 1966 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School. Jim then went on to graduate from Mount Aloysius College with a degree in nursing and had worked at Blair Medical Associates as a chart auditor and previously was a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Centre Community Hospital and a paramedic at AMED for 25 years; he was also the station Manager for the Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service for several years.
However, his best decision and most rewarding career move, came when he answered God’s call and became a Deacon and served for the past 16 years at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Pennsylvania National Guard.
He enjoyed history, painting, crocheting and cross-stitching. Jim loved his cats, Muffy, Merlin and Angel.
A Reception of the Body will be held at 1 pm, Sunday, July 26, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, followed by visitation from 2-4 pm at the church. Concluding the afternoon with evening prayers at 4 pm.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altoona, celebrated by the Very Reverend Alan Thomas, Vicar General and concelebrated by Priests and Deacons. Committal with military honors will be held at Alto-Reste Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Deacon Jim’s memory to the: American Cancer Society, PO Box 862 Carnegie, Pa. 15106 or online: cancer.org/givehope or St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Arrangements are thoughtfully provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family funeral Homes Facebook.
