Obituary of James I. Tarman

James I. Tarman, 89, a resident of State College, died Monday January 1, 2018 at Juniper Village. Born April 4, 1928 in York, PA, the son of the late James M. and Helen O'Brien Tarman. On June 6, 1955, in Upper Darby, he married the former Louise Catalano, who survives. Jim is survived by two sons, James I. Tarman Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth J Vastine, of Chicago, and Jeffrey R. Tarman of State College. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Emilie M Tarman. Jim is a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during WW II. He attended William Penn High School in York graduating in 1946. He then attended Gettysburg College graduating in 1952 with a BA in History. He was a member of Phi Betta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta, and Phi Kappa PSI Social Fraternity. His first job was as a sports reporter for the Harrisburg Patriot news from 1952 – 1953; he then returned to Gettysburg College and served as the first director of public relations from 1953 – 1957. Jim later served on the Board of Trustees at Gettysburg College for 12 years James was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1992 and to the Hall of Athletic Honor in 1996. Jim served as director of sports information at Princeton University from 1957 – 1958, In 1958 Jim came to Penn State as director of Sports publicity, serving in that capacity until 1970, when he became the Director of the Nittany Lion Club and Associate Athletic Director. Tarman was co-host of the popular "TV Quarterbacks," the University's statewide football TV program from 1967-82. From 1971-79, he served as the color analyst on the Penn State Football Radio Network. Jim was director of Athletics starting in 1982 until his retirement in 1993. During this time, he was instrumental in Penn State's integration into the Big Ten. He was inducted into the College Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 1997. At Penn State Jim was named an Honorary Alumnus by the Penn State Alumni Association and also was also a Lifetime Honorary member. Jim's interests included travel, reading, history with an emphasis on the American Civil War, golf, and lifelong learning. In retirement, Jim and Louise enjoyed winters in Naples, FL. Jim loved his volunteer duties as a Park Watch Ranger at the Gettysburg National Military Park, where he was affectionately known as, Ranger Rick. Friends will be received at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S, Atherton Street, State College, on Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 3 – 6 pm. A funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S Garner St, State College, on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 11 am with Pastor P. Stevens Lynn officiating. Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff and aides at Wellspring and Juniper Village at Brookline for their kind and loving care provided to Jim during the last six years. They are special people. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: James I & Louise C. Tarman Endowed Football Scholarship Fund, 7 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802 or to James I. & Louise C. Tarman Endowed Scholarship Fund at Gettysburg, Gettysburg College, Campus Box 423, 300 North Washington St, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Signing of the guest book and condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com