James Herald Best, of Baltimore, Maryland,
died of natural causes, Monday, June 2 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes,
Delaware. He was 54.
Mr.
Best is survived by his sons, J. Brian Best, currently serving in the
United States Air Force stationed in Japan, Charles A. Best, and Michael
W. Best, both of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and his companion of five years,
Dr. Frederick Stoner.
Born and raised in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Oil City
High School, Mr. Best earned his bachelor’s degree from Thiel College in
Greenville, Pennsylvania. He continued his education at Bucknell
University, Youngstown State University and the University of Wisconsin.
Mr. Best served in the Army National Guard.
Mr. Best began his career as a bank trust officer in Oil City and New
Castle, Pennsylvania. He later moved to Mellon Bank in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, where he served as vice-president and senior trust manager,
and then to PNC Bank in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania as a vice president and
senior trust officer. Most recently, Mr. Best was a vice president and
trust officer with Allfirst Bank in Baltimore, Maryland.
Mr. Best enjoyed swimming, biking, and exercising. He was very
community-minded, and served as a director first vice chairman for the MS
Society of Central Pennsylvania, Deacon of the Camp Hill Presbyterian
Church, and served on the Board of Directors for the Harrisburg Symphony
Association. He was very active in the Rotary Club, Baltimore Estate
Planning Council, Central PA Estate Planning Council, Camp Hill School
Board, Greater Harrisburg Foundation, Mechanicsburg Foundation, West Shore
Tax Bureau, Capital Health Campaign, West Shore Country Club, and the Boy
Scouts of America.
Memorial contributions may be made to CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore
Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or Beebe Medical Center, 424 Savannah
Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
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