James S. Ernest
James S. Earnest, 86, of Osceola Mills, PA died on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at The Preserve at Cedarwood, Tyrone, PA.
Born on July 4, 1937, he was the son for the late James S. “Ziggy” Ernest & Helen (Pietraszun)Ernest Kopriva.
He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osceola Mills, PA and a Marine Corp Veteran.
Jimmy performed with Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians for three years and recorded seven albums. He also performed on national television with this famous group for three New Year’s Eves, plus the Mike Douglas, Johnny Carson and Jackie Gleason shows. While with the band, he had the opportunity to perform with the greats such as Louie Armstrong. Jimmy also spent several years traveling as lead trumpet player for Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. In addition, he also worked in the bands of Tex Beneke, Les Elgart, Eddie Howard, Dick Jurgens, Rudy Valle, and many others. He also toured with Nelson Eddie/Gail Sherwood, Edgar Bergan and Maurice Chevalier. Jimmy later joined the Victor Lombardo Orchestra in Phoenix, AZ where he performed with and wrote musical arrangements for the orchestra for two years. He was fluent in seven languages.
He was a 1955 graduate of the former Osceola Mills High School. Additionally, he graduated from the Parsons School of Music in Chicago, IL and earned his Master’s Degree in Music Education at North Texas State University in 1973.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Joseph M. Martella.
He is survived by a sister, Janice M. Martella of Johnstown, PA; numerous nieces and nephews; and his caregiver, Teresa Szala of Osceola Mills, PA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; with Rev. Father Johnathan Schmolt, Celebrant. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Osceola Mills, PA.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Osceola Mills Honor Guard.
Arrangements are under the direction of Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills, PA.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.heathfuneral.com.
