James N. Herr (1935-2018) was a lifelong resident of Erie, Pennsylvania who had a distinguished career in social services and mental health. He graduated from Princeton University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Herr served in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was the first person to greet astronaut John Glenn after his historic 1962 spaceflight. Herr held leadership roles at several social service agencies in Erie County over his career and helped develop their service models. He enjoyed sailing and served on many community boards. Herr is survived by his wife of 56 years, three sons, and five grandchildren. The document announces the dedication of James N. Herr Hall at Sarah A. Reed Children's Center

1. James N. Herr
(December 23, 1935 - May 1, 2018)
James Norris Herr, of Erie, passed away at home, on Tuesday, May 1st, with his
loving family. Jim was born in Wellsboro, Pa., on December 23, 1935.
He graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in 1953, and went on to receive his
undergraduate from Princeton University in 1957 and his Masters from the
University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, in 1968. He was the second son
of George Barrett and Marcia Goodwin Herr. His brother Barry passed away in
2005.
Jim's professional life was shaped by his years as a line officer in The U.S. Navy
aboard the Destroyer USS NOA, which also participated in the Cuban Missile
Crisis. Lieutenant Herr was the first man to grasp the hand of Colonel John
Glenn when his capsule, Friendship Seven, touched down on the Atlantic Ocean
in 1962. He was the officer in charge of "pick up."
Jim's professional life in Erie began in 1970 as the Executive Director of Sarah
A. Reed Children's Home. He then served as the Director of Human Services for
Erie County from 1975 - 1993. He finished out his career in 2006 as President
and Executive Director of Case Management Support Services. Jim built and
implemented the model and system, still used in Erie County today, which serves
persons with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Jim was an avid sailor. He and the love of his life, Patty, sailed the waters of
Lake Erie, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for years, on their
sailboat, Noa. Jim will be remembered for his warm, strong handshake, steely
blue eyes, handsome smile, his friendship, loyalty and love. He was a wonderful
husband, father and friend. He always had a tan and never wore socks unless he
had to. In addition to his career, Jim served on many boards. He will be forever
missed by family, friends and colleagues.
James is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia "Patty" (Kronen) Herr,
three sons, James "Tim" Herr, wife Julia of Fairfax, Va., Patrick Herr, girlfriend
Allison Martin of Erie and Christopher Herr, wife Molly of Erie; and five
grandchildren, James M. Herr, Jacob C. Herr, Matthew K. Herr, Jackson B. Herr
and Ryan P. Herr.
James N. Herr Hall
Dedication Ceremony
Saturday, January 19, 2019
11:00 A.M.
Sarah A. Reed Children's Center - Residential Campus
2445 West 34th Street • Erie, PA
Proudly serving children and families in the Erie Community
& Across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
for 148 Years
Sarah A. Reed Children's Center is a Sanctuary® Model Treatment Center and is
accredited by The Joint Commission and the American Psychological Association.
Founded in 1871
1935 2018

2. Dedication Program:
Mr. James D. Mando
President/CEO of Sarah A. Reed Children's Center
Mr. James Gavin
President of Community Care Behavioral Health
Mr. Thomas Hagen
Chairman of Erie Insurance and Family Friend
Mr. Patrick Herr & Mrs. Patricia Herr
Richard McCarty, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Religious Studies at
Mercyhurst University
Welcome
Remembrances
Dedication
*Refreshments and tour of James N. Herr Hall to follow.*
James N. Herr Hall
Dedicated January 19, 2019
We gratefully acknowledge our donors,
whose generosity and support made this
special project possible:
B&L Wholesale Supply
Erie Insurance
UPMC Health Plan
2018 Roar on the Shore
BKD Foundation
The Black Family Foundation
The Britton Family Foundation
Buehler & Associates, Inc.
The Erie Community Foundation
Mr. Robert Frenzel
Harley-Davidson of Erie
KeyBank Foundation
The Henry A. & Mary J. MacDonald Foundation
MJ Surgala Trust
PA Department of Community & Economic Development
Sportsmen's Athletic Club
The Mission of Sarah A. Reed Children's Center is to
enhance the well-being of children, adults and families,
helping them realize their potential and experience success.
Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to serve
1,700 children annually and their families.
Sarah A. Reed Children's Center
Board of Directors
Atty. Shaun Adrian
Dr. Hershey Bell
Ms. Shelane Buehler, AIA
Mr. Patrick Dean
Ms. Aubry DeMarco
Mr. Bradley Dinger
Ms. Christine Iwig
Mr. Danny Jones
Mr. Gary Koenig
Mr. Mark Manczka
Mr. James Mando
Mr. James McKibben
Atty. Daniel Miller
Mr. William Miller, III
Mr. David Russo, MBA
Mr. Thomas Taylor
Mr. Jim Voss, CPA
Ms. Emily Wachter