James Vincent Celani

Jim was born on August 16, 1945, in Greensboro, PA, the youngest of nine children to Santina (Gagliardi) and Felix Celani. He was raised on a close-knit family farm, spending his early years alongside his beloved cousins. After graduating from Mapletown High School, Jim ventured to Ohio, where he honed his skills as a mechanic, assisting his brother at a local gas station. A few years later, he embarked on a new chapter, moving west to California with his mother, a state he would call home for the rest of his adult life.

A proud patriot, Jim served his country with honor in both the Army, during the Vietnam War, and later in the Air Force. After his military service, he continued his work as a mechanic at Claytons, where fate intervened, and he met the love of his life, Caroll Rafferty. They were married on August 19, 1972, and soon welcomed three children into their lives. The family established their first home in Azusa, relocating to Lancaster in 1986 when Jim's job with Northrop Grumman transferred him.

Family was paramount to Jim. Summers were cherished, filled with memorable family vacations to iconic California destinations such as Sequoia, Yosemite, San Francisco, Yreka, and the beautiful southern California beaches. Almost every Friday night was a special occasion, treating the family to dinner and a drive in his beloved Cadillac.

Jim possessed a huge heart and was a truly caring individual. Though not overly social and sometimes averse to the chaos of planning large gatherings, he always fully engaged in family moments, laughing and enjoying himself. He was the perpetual family photographer, capturing countless memories. Jim's passions included cars, tech gadgets, westerns, taking scenic drives, and meticulously assembling the family tree.

He was an unwavering supporter of his children's and grandchildren's educational and career pursuits, always encouraging them to achieve their dreams.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, his beloved wife Caroll, his son, and his grandson. He is survived by his two devoted daughters, eleven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Services will be had at a later date.