James Kane Jr., 85, sales manager

James William Kane Jr., 85, of Bryn Mawr, a retired sales manager and decorated World War II veteran, died Saturday, Feb. 18, of complications from pneumonia at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

A native of Chicago, Mr. Kane moved to the Overbrook section of Philadelphia with his family in 1939. He graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in June 1944 and joined the Army in August.

In January 1945, he landed in France with the 69th Infantry Division, and he was participating in combat by the end of February.

On April 25, 1945, Mr. Kane was in one of two motorized patrols from the 69th Division to make contact with Russian allies at the Elbe River in Germany.

The Inquirer reported the patrols met up with the Russians after "engaging in three brisk fights with machine-gun snipers."

For his actions, Mr. Kane was awarded the Bronze Star. According to the citation accompanying the medal, "Private First Class Kane entered hostile and unreconnoitered territory. Realizing the dangers involved, he and his companions continued their intrusion of the foe's country to make the long-awaited historic meeting a reality, and to cut the dwindling Reich into isolated halves. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Kane and the armed forces of the United States."

In 1995, Mr. Kane attended a 69th Infantry Division reunion in Torgau, Germany, to honor the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.

He was awarded a Commemorative Medal from the government of the Russian Federation in 2010.

After his discharge, Mr. Kane earned a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in 1950.

He began his sales career at Connelly Container Corp. He then joined Oxford Container Corp., retiring as sales manager at 77.

Mr. Kane was a longtime member of the Overbrook Golf Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Columbus Social Club.

Since 1950, he had been married to Mary Elizabeth Crane Kane. They met as eighth graders on the steps of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Overbrook.

Mr. Kane delighted in spending time with his family at home and at the Jersey Shore and was known for his gregarious personality and generous spirit, his son, James, said.

Besides his wife and son, he is survived by daughters Marcella Rodgers, Jeanne Zaykowski, and Helen; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A daughter, Betty, died in 1976.

Friends may call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at Stretch Funeral Home, 236 E. Eagle Rd., Havertown. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, 2401 St. Denis Lane, Havertown.

Donations may be made to St. Edmond's Home for Children, 320 S. Roberts Rd., Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010.