James A. Stanko

After four years together, Jim married the love of his life, Barbara J. Pearson Stanko, on Aug. 19, 1972, at Grace United Methodist Church in Warren, PA. He worked on Burkett’s Farm until starting at Chautauqua Hardware, “The Shop,” where he worked alongside his brothers, until its doors closed. After, he proudly began work as a custodian for the Warren County School District, where he eventually retired from.

Jim was an avid fisherman, ice-fisherman, and hunter. He enjoyed taking his 4-wheeler for rides “out back” and “down to the crick.” He gathered and split his own firewood. He was a handyman, from roofing, porch-building, and cement laying, to building wood-projects for his family, and creating his own inventions. His family camping trips were a part of his fondest memories from when his girls were younger. He is well-known and will be remembered for generations for his story telling of the “younger years” – whether you heard his stories once or 100 times, you sat and listened. Most of all, he lived for spending time with his family, especially on his and Barb’s porch during the summer or in his garage during the winter. His family was his pride and joy. He was Barb’s soulmate and protector, his daughter’s hero, his son-in-law’s buddy, his grandchildren’s mentor, and his great-grandchildren’s silliness. Jim and Barb were two peas-in-a-pod; oh, to be a fly on the wall for the past 57 years.

In addition to his wife, Barb, surviving are his daughtersJaime Housler, Jada Shirley, and Jinelle Walker; sons-in-law; Bill Housler, Ed Shirley, and Tom Walker; grandchildren Chloe Meddaugh (Nick Pace), Timber Housler (Brenyn Whyte), Madison Housler (Joey Kingsley), Devan Shirley (Rachel Pelchat), Jora Stanko-Shirley, Jasmin Sanders (Alex), Julian Colwell (Tiffany Work), and Keano Walker (Braydn Wilson); great-grandchildren Rowan Whyte and Isla Sanders, Dehlila and Lillian Kiser, and OakLeigh and Liam Sanders; brothers Jerry Stanko (Nancy), Ron Stanko, and Bob Stanko (Sherry); sister-in-law Cathy Stanko; brother-in-law Chuck Pearson; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved 4-legged children, Buffee, Cooper, Ruby, Sampson, and his kitties.

In addition to his parents, Paul and Marie, preceding him in death are his brother Terry Stanko, sisters-in-law Carol Stanko and Anita Zimmer, niece; April Zimmer; mother-in-law Myrtle Hays Pearson Walters; fathers-in-law Donald Pearson and Everett Walters, and best friends; Marty Hancock and Harry Launer.

Jim never asked for help, his only downfall really, but would give a stranger the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his billfold. He was a strong, hardworking man that never stopped going, even up until his last day here with us. Jim, Dad, Papa – We have loved you for our whole lives and now we will spend the rest of them missing you too. We hope you enjoyed your Welcome Party in Heaven.

Friends will be received at Peterson-Blick Funeral Home Inc., 1003 Penna. Ave. East, Warren, PA, on Thursday, Aug., 28, 2025, from 5 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held there on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at 11 am, with Reverend Bill Beatty, pastor, Grace United Methodist Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paws Along the River Humane Society, 212 Elm St., Warren, PA, or to Warren Cancer Care Center (where the staff, especially his nurses, became his friends) 105 Lee St., Warren, PA, or to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.

In honor and in memory of Jim, the family asks that you wear a flannel and dress casually for the viewing and funeral. Jim had a flannel for every occasion.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.