James O. Irwin

Born on the first day of buck season, November 30, 1942, to Boyd S and Dorothy Mae (Burns) Irwin, James Oliver Irwin made his appearance to the delight of his two older brothers. Their grandfather, Pop Pop Burns, informed them, “We got a little buck today!” When Jim was five years old, he was selected as an attendant for the 1948 Ligonier High School May Queen court. As a young man, he learned several instruments including the Sousaphone and trombone.

He was a 1960 graduate of Ligonier High School and attended Penn State University for a brief time before transferring to Allegheny Technical Institute. He earned an associate degree in electronics and settled initially in Utica, NY. He later returned to his hometown and accepted a position with AT&T at the relay towers on Laurel Mountain. When that facility closed Jim transferred to downtown Pittsburgh, working as an electronics technician for AT&T until his retirement in 2007. Jim found enjoyment and companionship in his beloved Shetland Sheep dogs, Bobbie Jo, Caitie, Phoebe and Laddie. Retirement gave him time to enjoy playing his Hammond organ and listening to all genres of music, particularly Big Band music. Daily trips to The Newstand and tending his flower and vegetable gardens brought him joy. Jim really looked forward to the NY Times Crossword Puzzles and Word Jumble. He kept his mind active by reading the Wall Street Journal and other investment periodicals. Jim will always be remembered as a kind, gentle man with a quick wit and humble heart.

 Jim died on June 30, 2024 at the home where he was born. He is survived by his two older brothers, William S and Robert B. Irwin, two nieces and two nephews, three grandnieces and two grandnephews. With gentleness, humor and devotion his private duty caregivers Tina, Sharah and Jasmine went above and beyond to provide comfort. Jim told them they were like “the sisters I never had.” The family is also grateful for the outstanding compassionate care provided by the nurses, aides and other staff of Concordia at Bethlen Home Health and Hospice.