Strange

James L. Strange, of Harrisville, left this Earth for his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, following a period of declining health. He was 81 years old.

James was born at home on Dec. 29, 1944, in Piedmont, Ohio, son of the late Helen Marie (Arnold) and James Ellwood Strange.

He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Lakeland High School, Freeport, Ohio, in 1962. He loved his hometown and was a fan of all things Ohio.

Jim was a hard worker. He started working at 13 years old driving a milk truck. After graduating from high school, he started working in construction with S.J. Groves and joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66 in 1963. During his time with S.J. Groves, he worked on building a section of Interstate 80, the Kinzua Dam and runway construction at the Pittsburgh Airport, which led him to building roots in the Harrisville area.

He then became a mine manager for Gifford-Hill Coal Company, managing several mining sites in the local area. He was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for exemplary work in backfilling and reclamation of strip mines. In 1985, he went on his own to start his own construction company, Strange Corporation, and then later added Piedmont Crane Inc., offering crane services. Working along with Jim to build the businesses were his sons, Steve and Jeff.

Jim was also extremely passionate about music and started playing guitar at a young age. At 15 years old, he won first place in the Farm Bureau State of Ohio competition before moving on to the national competition in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he placed second. After moving to the Harrisville area, he started his own country-western band “Jim Strange and The Strangers.” He became friends with many through his music, often playing at the Mercer Moose, where he established a strong following. The band also played at other local music venues like Ponderosa Park, Paradise Park and Pine Ridge Park, where he had the opportunity to meet and play along with many country-western stars from Nashville. Most importantly, he developed lifelong friendships with his band mates, Tom, Mike, Steve and Bob.

A member of Grove City Masonic Lodge 603, Jim was a 32nd Degree Mason and was recently awarded his 60-year pin. He was a lifetime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66.

Jim lived a full life that included many stories, people and places and he will be missed.

Jim was a devoted father to J. Steven Strange (Kay), Amy Upton (Ron) and the late Jeff Strange (Juanita). He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Amber Boughner (Jamie), Tyler Sowers, Tanner Strange and Brent Strange. He was blessed with great grandchildren, Jackson Boughner, Zachary Boughner and Grayson Sowers. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Sharlene Rawn, and her children, Brad and Michelle.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, sister, son, nephew and several aunts and uncles.

STRANGE — Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life service for James L. Strange, who died Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. The memorial service will be led by Pastor Gary Warinner, of Bell Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Church, and will begin at 4 p.m.

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