James Chookagian of New Britain passed away Monday, April 24, 2017 at Doylestown Hospital, in Doylestown, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86.

James was the beloved husband to the late Diana (Marino) Chookagian.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frank and Lillian (Krikorian) Chookagian, who came to America from Armenia to escape the Armenian Genocide. Jim is survived by his dearest children, James Chookagian, Jr. (Rose) of Quakertown, Diane Scholl of New Britain, and Lisa Rodgers (Peter) of Perkasie. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren: Adam Scholl (Holly), Raphael Chookagian (Kim), Kelly Thompson (Dan), Christopher, Katelyn and Diana Chookagian, Jarrett and Eric Rodgers, and his 6 great-grandchildren: Ronin Chookagian, Zachary, Sydney and Baby Thompson, and Logan and Grayson Scholl. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor Peterson (Pete) of New Britain and was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank and Fred Chookagian.

In 1948, Jim graduated from Northeast High School in Philadelphia, where his love of history began. Jim planned on continuing his education and becoming a high school history teacher, but he needed to go to work to help support his family. He began working for a drycleaner, and eventually went on to own 4 dry cleaning stores in Montgomery County until 1976. He then went on to become a bus driver for SEPTA for 15 years before retiring in 1993. Jim won numerous driver safety awards and commendation letters from SEPTA as well as commendations from customers on his bus route. Jim and his wife, Diana, moved to New Britain Borough in 1964. He was a proud U.S. Army Korean War veteran. In his leisure, he enjoyed following and engaging in lively political discussions, as well as fostering his love of history. Jim always put his family first and enjoyed family dinners and celebrations when the entire family would get together. He will be truly missed by his family and by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, April 28, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. until his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Jude Church, 321 West Butler Avenue, Chalfont, PA 18914. Jim’s interment will follow in Beulah Cemetery in New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.