Petsinger

James L. Petsinger, a lifelong resident of Butler, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Newhaven Court at Clearview.

Born on Sept. 30, 1928, Jim was the youngest child of the late Merle and Bertha Petsinger.

After graduating Butler High School in 1947, Jim attended Bliss Electrical School in Washington, D.C. He returned to Butler and joined Armco Steel, where he held many positions until retiring as director of pollution control in 1984.

Jim, like so many children of the 1930s, used his imagination as a source of entertainment. He often recounted stories of chasing the ice truck in the heat of summer for a thirst-quenching shard chipped off by the driver. The excitement of seeing the trolley car jump the track at the corner of Franklin and Brady streets would send the neighborhood kids flooding outside, and then they would watch and cheer as the mammoth crane would swing the car back to its rightful place. For a nickel, afternoons could be spent at the Majestic Theater, where the kids screamed and hollered during the news reels and stomped until Tom Mix and his horse strode across the screen—and an afternoon at Alameda Park riding the carousel was sheer delight for a 10 year old.

As a strong young man, Jim excelled in sports, participating on the swim, weightlifting and football teams. His three older brothers all served in the European conflict of World War II. Jim would recount running to the train station to meet them on different occasions as they returned home on leave. Each brother ultimately would return safely to their hometown.

A man of faith, Jim was a proud, active and lifelong member of First English Lutheran Church, serving on the church council for many years. He lived by the mantra “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” He was always providing help to someone who needed a caring hand — a family member, friend or neighbor — a real friend indeed.

Jim loved working at Armco, but easily filled his days after retiring with church life, the Humane Society, bird watching, genealogy and gardening.

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels was especially rewarding for him and his late wife of 30 years, Ellie, who said she would “thank God for sending me Jim” upon reaching Heaven. He often was known as “dog’s best friend” and, as a grandchild once said, a “peanut butter freak!” for his love of all things peanut.

Jim is survived by his children, Lindee (Robin) Gilliland, Eric Petsinger, Marcia Heinzer and Linda Wellner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Bertha Petsinger; his siblings, Harry (Margaret) Petsinger, Robert (Barbara) Petsinger, Jack (Helen) Petsinger and Mary Ann (Steve) Napora; and his sons, James Todd (Becky) Petsinger and Thomas Wellner.

He will be greatly missed by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and those whose lives he touched.

Jim’s family greatly thanks the incredible staff at Newhaven Court at Clearview for the love, dignity and respect shown to their father. Loving to dance, they would frequently join him in a quick Fred Astaire moment down the hallway. Their around-the-clock care and kindness will never be forgotten. The family also would like to express their immense gratitude to the Senior Life VNA Western Pennsylvania Hospice network, who made the end of Jim’s life comfortable and peaceful.

PETSINGER — A celebration of life for James L. Petsinger, who died Saturday, April 9, 2022, will be scheduled for a future date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler.

Donations can be made to Senior Life VNA Western Pennsylvania Hospice, or the Butler Humane Society.

Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.