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James A. Carper

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | November 23, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of James A. Carper, 71 of Coulter, announce his passing at home on November 21, 2024. Born On October 7th, 1953 in McKeesport Hospital to Walter and Atna (Koontz) Carper, James was #5 of the eventual 12 Carper Kids who spent their days riding dirt bikes, playing softball, and generally terrorizing the neighborhood.

He graduated from McKeesport High School in 1971 and eventually married his childhood friend and fellow Coulter Kid, Lora O'Donnell. Though the two would divorce their friendship continued throughout his life.

James was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend who always had a sarcastic comment, funny saying or dad joke at the ready for any occasion. Just ask anyone who ever asked him if he was alright. He surely told them immediately that no, he was in fact, half left.

James learned early in life he was a talented mechanic and could always be found working on and rebuilding cars. He turned that passion into his career, working and retiring as a mechanic at Tom Clark/Riverview Chevrolet in McKeesport for 30 years. He was also a lifelong (50+ years) member of the Coulterville Fire Company and the Yough Sportspeople Association where he had the title of groundskeeper and he could often be found in the summers on his lawnmower keeping the boat ramp in perfect shape.

If he wasn't on his riding mower he liked to spend his time fishing, playing the lottery, watching John Wayne movies (that he knew every single line to), NASCAR races or any of the Pittsburgh Sports teams. Although, to be fair, in recent years he (like most in the city) he spent more time lamenting their current standings than enjoying the game. An avid card player James loved Saturday Poker Nights and can proudly say in his last Saturday game he won every single hand. If he had to go out, at least he went out a winner.

While his interests were many, he truly got the most joy in life from his family including his siblings, many nieces and nephews, his daughter and son in law, and undoubtedly his two greatest joys- his grandchildren Grayson and Finley Klisavage. Pappy Jim was in the stands or watching online for every t-ball, baseball and hockey game. When the game was over he was always there with something positive to say and money for the snack bar- even if all he could think to say is "those referees were terrible!" His kindness, sacasm, quick wit and humor will forever live on in the spirit of his two favorite people and he will always have a front row seat to every game they will play.

James was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved parents- Walter and Atna, brother Ken, brother in law Marty, aunt Dorthy Koontz, uncle Jim Koontz, and treasured in laws Lloyd and Doris McIntosh. We have no doubt that a great poker game complete with putt-pie happened that night.

He sadly leaves behind daughter Bethany and son in law Patrick Klisavage, grandchildren Grayson and Finley. Siblings Shirley (Joe) Horn, Terry (Cookie), Gary (Sue), Denise Pastor, Atna Findura, Crash (Kelly), Wayne (Jamie) all of Coulter. Dorie (Bob) Reese of Wellington, Florida, Dennis (Cyndi) of Green Cove Springs, Florida and Norman (Barb) of Monessen, Pa. An abundances nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and even great great nieces and a great great nephew; some of whom he liked and some of whom he loved- he'll let them figure out who was who. He also leaves behind many friends and neighbors who will all miss him terribly.

As James hated funerals and never attended a single one, we can not imagine making him attend one in Death. So there will not be a viewing and burial will take place in the Coulter Cemetery. A celebration of his life will occur at the Coulter Firehall on January 18, 2025 from 2-6 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the family c/o Dee Pastor PO Box 17 Coulter, Pa 15028. Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory was entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com. Chris Odasso, Supervisor

Originally published November 23, 2024.

Other deaths:
"Mary Ann Boyko" || "A. Louise Dudik"