James L. Chestnut, 76, of Kittanning Township, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, in Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 26, 1934, in Manor Township, son of the late Kenneth A. and Bessie M. (Anthony) Chestnut. He was a retired teacher in Armstrong School District. Mr. Chestnut was an English teacher for 34 years at Parker, then for six years at Shannock Valley High School, then several years at Lenape Vo-Tech School. He received his master's degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He also was a former member of the Dayton Fair Board of Directors, Armstrong County Tourist Bureau Board of Directors, Armstrong County Land Preservation Committee, and Kittanning Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was a 4-H leader for 26 years, president of Future Farmers Alumni Association of Pennsylvania and National Percheron Horses Association. Survivors include his wife, JoAnn (Claybaugh) Chestnut, whom he married Aug. 1, 1969; daughters, Amy Spencer and husband, Shawn, of Elderton, and Erin Zimmerman and husband, Matthew, of Ford City; four grandchildren, Eric, Emily and Faith Spencer and Zoe Zimmerman; brother, William Chestnut and wife, Mary Ann, of McGrann; and sisters, Cathy Kunst and husband, Joe, of Ford City, Wanda Hankey and husband, James, of Kittanning, and Sandra Lettrich, of Decatur, Ill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel, Robert, Kenneth, John, Gerald and Richard Chestnut; and two infant twin sisters, Barbara and Jackie Chestnut. There will be no public viewing. Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are by the SNYDER-CRISSMAN FUNERAL HOME, in Kittanning. Memorial contributions may be made to Kittanning Free Library or Orphans of the Storm. For more information or to send an online condolence please visit www.snydercrissman.com.

Kittanning Leader Times 11/26/2011