James Vadnal
James Glenn Vadnal, 70, of Jefferson Township, passed away with members of his family by his side at UPMC Shadyside Hospital on April 6, 2023.
Born Nov. 18, 1952, in Pittsburgh, Jim adored growing up on his family farm, where he later returned to build his dream home and work on the land in his free time.
Jim was a proud Knoch High School graduate, where he played for the Knoch Knights football team. He enjoyed going to the Friday night football games to cheer on his fellow Knights. He graduated from Waynesburg University with a B.S. in geology, and Marshall University with a master of science in safety with an emphasis on mining.
He retired in January 2023 from a dynamic career in the mining and geology industry, leaving a longtime position with the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring safe practices in mining. He was nominated for the Syd and Felicia Peng Ground Control in Mining Award in 2022, due to his passion for advancing technologies in mining safety. He was proud to be a mentor to many young geologists and mining engineers, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Graff) Vadnal; his three children, Derek (Jamie) Vadnal of O’Fallon, Ill., Melanie (Chad) Stewart of O’Fallon, Ill., and Gregor (Lori) Vadnal of Troy, Ill.; eight grandchildren, all of Illinois; his brother, Matthew (Karen) Vadnal of Seattle, Wash.; and his sister, Connie (LV) Turner of Columbia, Ky.
He also leaves behind his loving “step” family of three children, their partners, and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Stanley Vadnal; and his sister, Jane Vadnal.
VADNAL — Friends of James Glenn Vadnal, who died Thursday, April 6, 2023, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at FOX FUNERAL HOME, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Alex DeRosa officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to New Life Christian Ministries, 139 Knoch Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056, where Jim was a proud parishioner.
For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.
Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.