James Henri Todd

James Henri Todd, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and river boat captain, passed away suddenly on March 23, 2023, while on vacation with his family in Monsummano Terme, Italy. He was 77 years old.

James, known as Jim or The Captain, is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (Dawson); his children Missy (Luke) Stevens, Buffy (Jason) Foster, and Meigan (Ben) Goodwin; grandchildren Lucy, Allie, Tess, and Jack; and sisters Charlotte (Matt) DeLuca and Sara Scheiwer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to his sons-in-law, whom he considered his own, special mention should be made for his dear friends Larry Long, Jr. and Brian Mosesso, whom he called sons.

The Captain was born on October 1, 1945 in Rochester, Pennsylvania. He began working on the river with his father Harvey at a very young age, resulting in a long and storied career as a pilot that spanned more than 60 years. He was the stuff of legends to his river boat brethren, known for his unrelenting work ethic and his deep knowledge of river navigation… if not his moodiness. He was loved by many and feared by some. He was a mentor to countless young pilots and deckhands, passing on his expertise and wisdom to two generations of pilots.

Jim met his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Ann, in Hookstown, Pennsylvania where they grew up, with their families as close friends. Together, they raised three girls who were his pride and joy, only to be outdone by his four grandchildren who were to come later.

Jim served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Bennington. He lost his best friend Daniel Millard Dawson (Mickey), brother of Elizabeth Ann, in the conflict in 1969.

Friends are invited to join the family in attending a memorial service on Saturday, April 8th at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue in Beaver. Calling hours will be held at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM with the service following at 11AM. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made in his memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org), which supports America’s heroes and their loved ones. Veterans’ affairs were very important to him.