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James Homer Rennie

Chester Times?
Date

J. Homer Rennie, Principal of the High School, Dies

Succumbed Yesterday Afternoon to Illness of Two Month's Duration

Veteran of the World War and Members of Various Organizations

J. Homer Rennie, principal of the Chester High School, died at the home of his mother, 616 West Fifth street, at three fifteen o'clock yesterday afternoon, with the members of his family at his bedside.

Mr. Rennie, who was thirty-five years old, had been seriously ill at his home for the past two months, suffering from high blood pressure, and about one week ago suffered a relapse from which he continually grew weaker until the end.  Many weeks ago he suffered a breakdown and was forced to relinquish his duties at the High school and take to his bed.   Everything known
to medical science was done by his brother Dr. Wesley H. Rennie, and several specialists from Philadelphia, to sustain life, but to no avail and he gradually grew weaker until death relieved his suffering.

Born in Chester, January 1, 1889, he was educated in the Chester Public Schools and graduated from the Chester High School in the class of 1907.  He entered the University of Pennsylvania from which institution he was graduated with high honors and with the degree of A.M. in 1911.  He returned to Chester and was appointed an instructor in Latin at the High School in September of the same year.  During the World War he enlisted as a volunteer in the quartermaster's department and saw service in France, he was appointed to the principalship of the High School in February, 1920, succeeding G.W. Gulden.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church, this city, and a vocalist of note, having sung in the choir of the Providence Avenue M.E. Church.  He was a member of Chester Lodge No.236, Free and Accepted Masons, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Sergeant Alfred Stevenson Post 190, American Legion, The Keystone Club, and the Keystone Automobile Club.

Mr. Rennie was the son of Mrs. Mary Rennie and the late Alfred Rennie, and lived his entire life in the city of Chester.  He is survived by his mother, two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Harden, and Miss Ella Rennie, who is an instructor in the Chester High School; three brothers, Dr. Wesley H. Rennie, of Philadelphia, Fred and William Rennie.

Arrangements have been made to conduct the funeral services Thursday afternoon at his mother's residence, 616 WWest Fifth Street, at 2 o'clock.  The service will be strictly private.  Friends may call Wednesday evening between 7 and 9 o'clock to view the remains.

Thanks to Stacy (Harden) Baran, stacyesq@yahoo.com for sharing this obituary.

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