James A. Barnshaw Jr, 83 passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2025. He was a resident of Levittown for over 50 years.
James was born and raised in Philadelphia on Cumberland Street and was a graduate of Thomas Edison High School. He was drafted to the Army during the Cold War, Vietnam Era. He was a decorated military Veteran who was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He was very proud to serve his country.
James also worked for the railroad for over 50 years. Starting his career at the Reading Railroad in Port Richmond cleaning coal cars. He then moved on to Conrail where he became a crane operator. He also would attend night school to become an electrician. In 1983, SEPTA took over Conrail where James would work at Powelton Yard, Wayne Junction and Roberts Yard, eventually becoming an Assistant Director. He would finish his railroad career working at SEPTA headquarters as the head recruiter for their CO-OP program that he started. The program meant the world to him and he enjoyed going to the different trade schools, to help young adults start a career with SEPTA. James also taught electrical night classes at Bucks County Technical School.
James coached girls fastpitch softball for over 25 years. Coaching both his daughters and also teaching both of them how to pitch. He was so proud of both of his daughters and how hard they worked. He also founded the Middletown Mystics Girls Travel Team with his right hand man and first base coach, Tom Crossley.
James enjoyed playing golf, traveling to Germany, Las Vegas and Clearwater, Florida for the Phillies spring training. He was a die hard Eagles and Phillies Fan. Never missing a game.
He also enjoyed spending the summer with his family in Seaside Heights and Sea Isle City. He enjoyed beer nights every Friday and Saturday night sitting at the kitchen table, drinking his beer, reading the newspaper, singing to the oldies and eating soft pretzels and cheese. He would hit his ring against the beer bottle to the beat of the music.
James is preceded in death by his parents, James A. Barnshaw Sr. and Ethel Barnshaw (Cranor). Also his sister Ethel Mae Barnshaw and his brother Donald N Barnshaw.
He was a devoted husband and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen J. Barnshaw (McCoach),
his two loving daughters, Karen J. Spagnoli (Rory) and Kristen A. Wolfe (Colby). Or as James called his daughters, Punks and Sweetie.
He was honored to be called Pop by his 4 grandchildren, Ryan (Alayna), CJ, Abbey and Lily.
James is also survived by his 2 brothers, Kenneth R. Barnshaw and Robert G Barnshaw (Gloria) and 3 sisters-in law, Bernadette Barnshaw, Linda Shafer and Jane Blackwell, as well as his many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a funeral service to follow, at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056. Burial with full military honors will occur on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery Newtown, PA. Please be in line at the main office no later than 1:15 PM.
