The Car Mate family has suffered a tremendous loss of James A. Pfendler, founder of Car Mate Trailers in 1974.  Although Jim sold the company many years ago, he still remained a constant at Car Mate Trailers.  Jim will live on in our hearts and we will strive to preserve his legacy.

     James A. Pfendler, 76, of Leeper, PA and Sun City Center, FL died Wednesday afternoon, January 20, 2010 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, FL.  Born November 10, 1933 in Oil City, PA., he was the son of Andrew V. and Helen Ochs Pfendler.

     He was married to the former Katharine Zerbe on June 19, 1954 at St. Callistus Catholic Church in Kane, PA and she preceded him in death on February 13, 1986.  He was most recently married to the former Berniece Schill Moore on April 18, 2001 and she survives.

     He worked in the trucking business with his father until entering the Army, where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division.  He began Pennwood Trailer Sales in Leeper in 1960 and Penn Oaks Campground, also in Leeper, in 1968.  He sold for Winnebago Industries for 22 years.  He owned Deer Meadow Campground from 1974 – 1978.  He also owned and operated Car-Mate Trailers in Leeper from 1974 – 1996.  He was on the advisory Board of Holiday Rambler Corporation and Coachman Industries.  He was one of the original organizers of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company and the Farmington Area Ambulance Service in Leeper. He also served on the advisory boards of Clarion Hospital and S&T Bank. 

    Mr. Pfendler was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Crown, PA and Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center, FL.  He was a member of the American Legion in Clarion, PA.

    In addition to his wife, Mr. Pfendler is survived by a son, Douglas Pfendler of Littleton, CO and 3 daughters, Melissa Landis and her husband, Gary of Johnstown, PA; Valerie Weaver and her husband Mike Momeyer of Erie, PA; Paula Buser and her husband, Gerry of Canon City, CO.  He is also survived by 4 granddaughters, Kelsey Landis and Erin (Landis) Miller and Laura and Michelle Buser. He is survived by a brother, Louis Pfendler and his wife, Barbara of Vowinckel, PA and a sister, Mary Helen Snyder of Lucinda, PA.  He is also survived by two step sons, Mark Gragg of Leeper, PA and William Moore and his wife, Trisha of Poolesville, MD and 4 step-daughters, Sylvia Lukasiak and her husband, Michael of Oil City, PA; Susie Bruce and her husband, Roger of  Largo, FL; Beth Ann Rimoldi and her husband, Mike of Valrico, FL and Mary Lee Moore of  St. Joseph, MI.  Also, 8 step-grandchildren survive and numerous nieces and nephews.

    In addition to his parents, Mr. Pfendler was also preceded in death by a sister, Violet Pfendler and second wife, Patsy Gragg.

     Friends and family may call from 7 – 9 on Saturday, January 23 and 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 on Sunday, January 24 at the Borland Funeral Home, Inc. in Leeper. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2010 at St. Mary Church in Crown with Rev. Gregory Passauer, pastor of the church as celebrant.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Farmington Area Ambulance Service or St. Mary Church.