James Daniel Wolford

James Daniel Wolford, 90, passed away in Latrobe Hospital on July 1, 2026. A loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he will be deeply missed by his family and community.

Jim Dan was born Sept. 21, 1935, in Ligonier, to Alice (Clark) and J. Daniel Wolford. A graduate of Ligonier High School, he was a machinist at Kennametal in Latrobe for decades.

Jim Dan was known as “Pap” to his family and was beloved by all of them. He is survived by his three sons: James Daniel, John Christopher, and Todd Alan (Kate). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Cecelia (Matt) Myers, Dana (Chandler) Heward, Shani (Benjy) Conditt, Carly (Lester Torres) Fabian, Sunday Maust, and Alex Maust. His great grandchildren include Ben Myers, Phoebe Myers, Piper (Luke) Lange, Maddie (Shawn) Dexter, Mya Gordon, and Fabian Torres, Taylor (Cody) Christian. His great-great grandchildren include Lily Christian, Cooper Christian, and Cannon Christian. His longtime friend, Joann Riddell, also survives him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Gloria (Withrow) Wolford, second wife Sally “Nonnie” (DePree Fabian) Wolford, his sister, Ina Lee, and two stepsons, John Fabian and Larry Fabian.

Jim Dan was a dedicated member of Oak Grove Church of Christ, and along with his father, was a founding member. Besides his family, the church was the center of his life. Over the decades he served as both a deacon and an elder of the church. He truly had a church family.

He was a longstanding member of the Ligonier Volunteer Fire Department #1 (Waterford), and also served twice as Fire Chief, eventually becoming an honorary lifetime member.

In addition to his numerous community interests, he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. If weather permitted, he was outside. He always loved a project, and kept busy with woodworking, construction, and general tinkering. He also enjoyed helping his church, friends, and neighbors, with any project they had on hand.

A funeral service will be held at Oak Grove Church of Christ at 11 AM, July 4, with a graveside service immediately following. Rev. Charlie Bird, his friend of many years, will lead the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oak Grove Church of Christ, 3742 State Route 711, Ligonier, PA 15658, (724) 238-9792.