James Fedasz

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 17, 2021

James Fedasz, age 94, of McKeesport, died January 15, 2021, at Canterbury Place.  Born February 19, 1926, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Harry and Anna (Tech) Fedasz.  Jim was a 1944 graduate of McKeesport High School and furthered his education at Carnegie Tech (Carnegie Mellon University).  He would then go on to join the Army, 103rd Division in France during World War II. 

He earned the EAME Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, the Army Occupation of Germany Medal, Victory Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal.  He fought significant battles in Central Europe & The Rhineland alongside the French First Army and French Moroccan Soldiers and was also an Honor Guard for General Patton.  Using the GI Bill he earned, Jim enrolled at the North West School of Neon (Oregon Polytechnic Institute) to learn the craft. 

Once back home in McKeesport, he had his own one-man neon sign shop on Walnut Street in McKeesport, and his neon signs could be found at businesses and schools throughout the area. 

Jim was a talented artist and was a member of the McKeesport Art Group.  He loved to paint and sculpt with wood and bronze, and his painting of the B&O Crossing (in McKeesport) and sculpture of the SS McKeesport are in the permanent collection at the McKeesport Heritage Center. 

At home, his garden became another canvas for his artistic talents.  Using different colors and textures of grasses, Jim created his last name in letters large enough to be seen from a helicopter.   He was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, Corpus Christi Church, where he was an usher.  As an avid duckpin bowler, his artistry with the ball was apparent, bowling numerous 300 games.

He is survived by a sister, Anna Fedasz, of McKeesport, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by seven brothers and five sisters.  Family and friends will be received at Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday from 1-5 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, 10 a.m., at Corpus Christi Church.  Burial will follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center 1832 Arboretum Dr, McKeesport, PA 15132.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.  Chris Odasso, Supervisor.

Originally published January 17, 2021.

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