James L. Janocha, 55, of Central Street, Rossiter, Pa., died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at UPMC Northwest Hospital in Seneca, Pa.
He was born on June 21, 1961, in Punxsutawney, a son of Patricia “Patty” (Bicho) and John “Butch” Janocha, who survive.
He was a member of the Punxsutawney Area High School’s graduating class of 1979. After high school, he attended Gannon University in Erie, PA. Jim then spent 22 years working for the local Asplundh Tree Company and later became a dedicated laborer to Mekis Construction of Butler, PA for 13 years. He was an active member at the Church of the Resurrection in Rossiter.
Jim lived a life of selflessness. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, son and friend. Loved by everyone he came in contact with, Jim’s sense of humor and gracious words of wisdom were parallel to none. Also known as “Speed” or “Big Jim,” his great love was for his family. Being a proud father of three and adoring husband defined Jim. He was his kid’s biggest fan at any sporting event and was proud of his children’s successes. He was as hardworking as he was humble and carried a heart full of thoughtfulness. As a member of the Rossiter Miner’s baseball team, he retired his catcher’s mitt to become a loyal fan. He greatly enjoyed spending time with extended family, tinkering in his garage and talking beloved Pittsburgh sports and Nascar to anyone he knew. Jim had a love for the outdoors. His hunting excursions with his son, brothers, nephews and friends are memories he held on to tightly. Jim also took delight in proudly landscaping his house and tending to his numerous gardens.
He is survived by Shelly Janocha, wife of 28 years, married July 18, 1987.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by three children, Noelle Janocha and Jason of Irwin, PA, Lauren Janocha of Fort Polk, LA, and Luke Janocha of Rossiter; father-in-law George Senott of Rossiter; two brothers, Paul Janocha and Barb of Punxsutawney and Mark Janocha and Carol of Rossiter; a sister Penny Pierce and John of Rossiter; brothers-in-law David Senott and Beth of Pittsburgh, Doug Senott of Harrisburg; and a sister-in-law Missy Spack and Tim of Rossiter. Jim will also be missed by uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, god-children, cousins and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Sondra L. Senott.
Family and friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016, and from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2016, at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 11, 2016, at the Church of the Resurrection in Rossiter with Rev. E. George Saletrik officiating.
Interment will be held at the Church of the Resurrection Cemetery in Rossiter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in memory of Jim, to the Rossiter Miner’s Baseball team; Rossiter American Legion, 330 Central Street, Rossiter, Pa. 15772.
Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
