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Obituary for James Richard Petrunyak, Sr.
James Richard Petrunyak, Sr., loved a motor as much as he loved music. He was an electrician by trade, great accordion player, wonderful singer, and entertainer.
Careers and hobbies paled in comparison to the love Jim felt for his beloved wife, Donna; his children Terri (Teddy Bear), James Jr. (Champ), Jo Marie (Dodo), his son-in-law Scott Lysko (Scotty), his grandchildren (the Muglets): Jordan (Mug-z), Alex (Little-bear) and Tyler Lysko (Poohbear) and his granddaughter Erica Mullen. He adored his nieces, nephews and great nieces and they adored him too. Spending time and watching his "Muglets" grow gave his life new meaning.
Jim was generous and would do anything to help family, friends, and neighbors. He'd change a transmission in his neighbor's garage, help financially, and happily lend his time and skills. He enjoyed nature, fishing, chopping wood and working on his gardens and lawn. Years ago, he and Donna had twin riding lawn mowers to which he designed affixed cup holders long before today's shopping cart trends. He had many other garage inventions that he loved to create and he chuckled every time they came in handy. He spent hours researching what happened to his brother during the Korean War. As his internet skills improved, albeit "classified", he had the events (maps included) figured out and examined. Jim's acumen and athletic skills earned him a football scholarship to Pitt. He lost his dad at an early age and turned down the scholarship to support his Mom. Providing for others, working hard, and taking the time and care to do things right the first time were important to Jim. He worked two jobs to ensure his children had the opportunities to succeed. He may have been the only Father to attend little league in a tuxedo before heading to work, but he was always there and his cheers were often the loudest.
Jim remembered every person, experience, and detail he read and loved to share his opinions and stories. His sense of humor never failed and he chuckled every time he said "the only advantage to becoming old and decrepit is you get great parking." A great day was one spent telling stories on the front porch after dinner and dessert with a Courvoisier or an ice cold Yuengling.
On May 13, 2016, a wonderful man, husband, father, brother, and Poppy departed this life. Many called Jim, "Big Jim". He was tall and strong with large skilled and talented hands. For Jim, BIG really defined his laugh, voice, hugs that took your breath away, and most of all his heart. At Jim's request, there are no services.
Contributions to his memory may be made to: The Korean War Veteran's Memorial Foundation: http://www.koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/donations, or Ramey Fire Co:161 Market Street Ramey, PA 16671
Careers and hobbies paled in comparison to the love Jim felt for his beloved wife, Donna; his children Terri (Teddy Bear), James Jr. (Champ), Jo Marie (Dodo), his son-in-law Scott Lysko (Scotty), his grandchildren (the Muglets): Jordan (Mug-z), Alex (Little-bear) and Tyler Lysko (Poohbear) and his granddaughter Erica Mullen. He adored his nieces, nephews and great nieces and they adored him too. Spending time and watching his "Muglets" grow gave his life new meaning.
Jim was generous and would do anything to help family, friends, and neighbors. He'd change a transmission in his neighbor's garage, help financially, and happily lend his time and skills. He enjoyed nature, fishing, chopping wood and working on his gardens and lawn. Years ago, he and Donna had twin riding lawn mowers to which he designed affixed cup holders long before today's shopping cart trends. He had many other garage inventions that he loved to create and he chuckled every time they came in handy. He spent hours researching what happened to his brother during the Korean War. As his internet skills improved, albeit "classified", he had the events (maps included) figured out and examined. Jim's acumen and athletic skills earned him a football scholarship to Pitt. He lost his dad at an early age and turned down the scholarship to support his Mom. Providing for others, working hard, and taking the time and care to do things right the first time were important to Jim. He worked two jobs to ensure his children had the opportunities to succeed. He may have been the only Father to attend little league in a tuxedo before heading to work, but he was always there and his cheers were often the loudest.
Jim remembered every person, experience, and detail he read and loved to share his opinions and stories. His sense of humor never failed and he chuckled every time he said "the only advantage to becoming old and decrepit is you get great parking." A great day was one spent telling stories on the front porch after dinner and dessert with a Courvoisier or an ice cold Yuengling.
On May 13, 2016, a wonderful man, husband, father, brother, and Poppy departed this life. Many called Jim, "Big Jim". He was tall and strong with large skilled and talented hands. For Jim, BIG really defined his laugh, voice, hugs that took your breath away, and most of all his heart. At Jim's request, there are no services.
Contributions to his memory may be made to: The Korean War Veteran's Memorial Foundation: http://www.koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/donations, or Ramey Fire Co:161 Market Street Ramey, PA 16671
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Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.
Phone: (814) 378-7161
254 Lynn Street
Madera
PA
16661
