James Eric Naylor Obituary
James Eric Naylor died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, at their home on December 29, 2023. Born July 6, 1954, in Enid, OK, he was a son of the late James Howard Naylor and Anna Blanche Simpson Naylor. On December 15, 1978, he married Romayne Betsy Lutz Naylor, who survives.
Also surviving are a sister, Sonia Hackett (Ron), Niagara Falls, NY, three brothers, Keith Naylor (Teresa), Ransomville, NY, Mark Naylor (Brenda), State College, and Todd Naylor (Cherie), Bellefonte. Never blessed with children of his own, Eric reveled in his role as "Uncle Eric" to 11 nieces and nephews, eight grand nieces and nephews, five great-grand nieces and nephews and three Godchildren.
Eric in was educated at Niagara Wheatfield High School, Niagara Falls, NY, Ohio Technical Institute, Columbus, OH, and Penn State University. He retired from the Bellefonte Borough Police Department in 2013, after 38 years of service, first as a police dispatcher and then managing the Department's office and databases. He served on the Pennsylvania Domestic Abuse Taskforce, helping to develop stronger domestic abuse protocols within the Commonwealth. His solid demeanor and quick wit made him a calming influence in stressful situations.
Educated to be a videographer, Eric recorded numerous documentary films and weddings. He also appeared on-screen in "Flights of Courage," a US Airmail Service documentary for The Discovery Channel, and four math instructional modules developed by Penn State for adult learners. He loved to tinker and could fix anything from a toaster to a car. He was an accomplished stained-glass artist and enjoyed woodworking. He used his talents often to produce display props for local museums and historic sites.
At the side of his wife, Betsy, he also volunteered his time and talents freely within the Bellefonte community. Eric was a Disaster Relief Volunteer with National American Red Cross for many years. He was a life member of the Logan Fire Company, Bellefonte, and Citizens Hook & Ladder, Milesburg. He was a member of the Central PA Orchid Society, acting as the "shipping department," packing orchids sold at its annual show for a safe trip to their new homes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc, 201 Spring St., Milesburg. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, with services immediately after at the funeral home, followed by graveside services at Bellefonte's Union Cemetery.
