James J Steigerwald

Jim was born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. He graduated from State University of New York Harper College Syracuse New York. Jim served his country in the Unites States Army during the Korean War. He worked as a Senior Exploration Geophysicist for Union Oil of California for 32 years. His retirement was spent serving others through the foster grandparent program with Special Education students at Monroe Elementary.

He leaves behind to honor his memory his wife of 57 years Philomena; 7 children, son Joseph and wife Rosa, daughter Mary and husband Rhys, daughter Patty and husband Bill, son Jerry, son Danny and wife Rene, son Charlie and wife Pam, daughter Irene and husband Paul; 22 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; 3 brothers; 1 sister and a host of family and friends.

Jim loved organized games with his children and most of the neighborhood. He loved building model airplanes and watching his kids crash them. He built several sailboats, his first one Philomena named “Sinkable Molly.” After its first launch he announced “we need to learn how to sail.”

His gentle kindness and Irish quick wit were his special gifts and felt by everyone he met. We are so blessed God gifted us with him as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, relative and friend.

There will be a visitation 6 PM Thursday with a Rosary to follow at 7 PM at Guardian West Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Friday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.