The Post-Journal

William E. Present

William E. Present, 79, of 20 Lakeview Drive, Lakewood, died at 11:25 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2002, in WCA Hospital.

He was born April 20, 1923 in Jamestown, a son of Abe and Frances Price Present.

A 1941 graduate of Jamestown High School, he attended Allegheny College, where he was a member of Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and was a standout varsity basketball player.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving as a driver with the "Red Ball Express" delivering fuel to front lines in Europe.

Prior to retiring in 1988, he operated the former Present’s Jewelry in Jamestown which was founded by his father in 1909. In later years, he owned and operated The Coin Shop.

He was a member and past master of Mount Moriah Lodge 145, Free and Accepted Masons, and was also a member of Kharram Grotto, Jamestown Consistory, Jamestown Shrine Club, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Jamestown Coin Club, the American Legion, the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, where he served as co-historian, Christ First United Methodist Church and participated in the YMCA Cardiac Rehabilitation program, and various basketball and softball leagues.

He will be remembered for his quiet, unassuming manner, his kind heart and loving spirit. He especially loved and was loved by children and young people, and gave full acceptance to everyone, never having a bad word to say.

Surviving are three daughters: Judith P. Swanson of Jamestown, Jane P. Masterson of Atlanta and Jacquelyn Rosenberg of Bradenton, Fla.; seven grandchildren: Monica H. Swanson of Harrisonburg, Va., Molly E. Swanson of Denver, Nicholas W., Michael P., and James T. Masterson, all of Atlanta, Barbara Samuelson of Jamestown, and Cynthia A. Morris of Baltimore, Md; four great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; a sister Anna Rae Present of Lakewood; and a brother, Leonard R. Present of West Bloomfield, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Elaine M. Shaffer, whom he married June 28, 1950, and who died June 11, 1977; and by brother Jess J. Present, who died August 8, 1998.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, in Christ Chapel of Christ First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Douglas M. Knopp, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery.


The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.