James E. Brilhart

1936 - 2018

James E. Brilhart, 81, longtime resident of Scottdale, went home to Jesus on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, while being comforted by his loving family. He was born April 16, 1936, a son of the late Aaron and Claire Brilhart, of Scottdale. Jim was a graduate of Scottdale High School. In 1955, he went on to serve in the Air Force until 1957, when he was medically discharged from a swimming injury. Jim was the owner of Brilhart Hardware, where he began working at 12 years old, until 2001, when he retired. He was the last Brilhart to own the store. He then went on to work at Craig Appliance and Furniture until April 2017 and also continued to do personal service calls until fall 2017. He was a longtime faithful member of First Baptist Church, Scottdale, since 1964, and he served various roles as a deacon, trustee, choir member, treasurer and moderator. Jim was a member of the Kiwanas Club of Scottdale, NRA, and the National Turkey Federation. He enjoyed setting up flags for the holidays and selling citrus fruits; being an excellent salesman was in his blood! He loved gospel music, hunting and spending time outdoors. Jim loved animals and rescued more than 15 dogs, as he was especially fond of basset hounds. Jim is gone from our lives but will forever be remembered and loved by those who are left to honor his life: his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Bonnie L. Tamblyn Brilhart; his children, Pamela S. "Pammy" and husband Richard Kiliany and Becky and Kevin Kramarski; and his grandchildren, Taylor L. and Danny Kilmer, all of Scottdale. He is also survived by a brother, John Brilhart, of Scottdale. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna and Herb Barclay, of Mt. Pleasant; niece and nephew, Kelly and Tom Skovira, of Scottdale; nephew, Jason Barclay, of North Carolina; great-nephew, Chris Skovira, of Greensburg; great-niece, Jessica Skovira, of St. Kitts; his special cousin, Carole Brilhart, of Greensburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim had many furry, four-legged grandchildren who he dearly loved and two kitties, Reece and Hershey, who he enjoyed spending time with. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his two brothers and a sister, Donald, Richard and Maureen. Jim will be remembered as a good-natured guy, loving husband, caring father, and devoted grandfather and a great friend to all. His legacy will live on in the lives of all who loved him.
Jim's family will greet friends from 1 to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale. Jim's funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 304 N. Chestnut St., Scottdale, with the Rev. Dale White and the Rev. Al Thomas officiating. It is requested that everyone please go directly to the church.
To view the online obituary, send flowers, send condolences or obtain directions, please visit www.kapr.com.