Donor Legacies
Gift of a Lifetime
James B. & Tabitha Pugh
Mrs. Pugh was a native of Jackson, Ohio, and a graduate of Oberlin College. She taught at the elementary level in the Portsmouth City Schools for several years. She married James Pugh, who served as President of Security Central National Bank, Portsmouth, from 1955 to 1972.
James B. Pugh's banking career spanned nearly 60 years. A native of Kenova, West Virgina, his family moved to Portsmouth when he was a young child. He began working at the age of twelve to help support his ailing mother and sister, carrying newspapers and working in a local theater. After graduation from Portsmouth High School in 1952 he began his banking career as a messenger for the Central National Bank, which would later merge with Security Bank to form Security Central National Bank. He worked his way up through the ranks, being elected a director in 1953 and in 1955 being named President of Security Central National Bank. He served as President until 1972 and on the Board of Directors until 1981. After retiring as President of the bank, he served as the Director of Development for Scioto Memorial Hospital and manager of Portsmouth Teleprompter Cable.
Mr. Pugh gave tirelessly of himself to the community; over the years he was involved in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Portsmouth Area Growth Foundation, the Shawnee State Unversity Development, the United Fund, the Alden B. Oaks Scholarship Fund, the Portsmouth Little Theater, the Aurora Masonic Lodge, York Rite Bodies and area Shrine Clubs, the Portsmouth Elks Club, the Rotary Club, United Commercial Travelers, and the Ohio University Portsmouth Branch. He served four years in the Army Air Force during World War II. In 1961 he was recognized by the Jaycees with the first Distinguished Citizens Award. In 1980 he allowed himself to be roasted to benefit the American Cancer Society. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce he helped bring the Portsmouth Area A-Plant to Piketon.
Earnings from the James B. and Tabitha R. Pugh Memorial Fund will suport the improvement of the educational and cultural level of our community.