'Well-Known Magician,' James W. Straub, of Bensalem

James W. Straub, of Bensalem, died on Friday. He was 61.

He was an estimator for various engineering firms, most recently URS and was a member and usher at Saint Ephrem's Church in Bensalem.

Mr. Straub was born in Philadelphia and was the son of the late James C. and the late Catherine (Grant) Straub. 

He was raised in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia and was a graduate of Father Judge High School class of 1970. In high school he played football and baseball. Mr. Straub went on to graduate Temple University, class of 1974 and played baseball in his freshman year.

Mr. Straub was a well-known magician in the Philadelphia area and would often do performances for many of the Philadelphia sports teams events and benefits. 

He was a past president of the Society of American Magicians and was also a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Delaware Knights of Magic. 

He is survived by his wife Patricia (Wixted) Straub, daughter: Patricia "Trish" Reynolds (Drew), sons: James Straub (Lea) and Michael Straub, a sister: Mary Beth Coppola (late Tom), grandchildren, Connor, Ryan, Keenan, Kevin, Owen, Kylie and Kaitlyn. 

Friends may call Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Saint Ephrem's Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem. 

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis,TN 38105