James S. Markovich

1953 - 2025

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of James "Jim" Steven Markovich, who peacefully departed this life on Oct. 18, 2025, at home at 71 after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Jim was a beloved husband, father, Pap Pap, brother, and brother-in-law. Born on Nov. 15, 1953, in Greensburg, Jim was the son of the late Steve and Barbara Markovich. Jim worked hard all his life; in high school he worked after school at the local Sinclair gas station to support his family after his dad became ill. He graduated from Hempfield High School in 1971 and fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a truck driver. After marrying Anna Catherine Liparulo on May 30, 1981, he moved to Monongahela, where he and Anna raised two sons. Jim was a stellar truck driver who won numerous safety awards and logged nearly five million miles driven without an accident. He started as a Teamster at Fox Grocery, and when his warehouse was closed, he went into business for himself as an owner/operator of JASE Transport, named for his family (Jim, Anna, Steven, and Erik). Jim had an exclusive contract with FedEx until his retirement. Jim was a devoted husband who took great pride in being a parent. Jim instilled in his sons the importance of hard work and putting your family's needs above your own, both by word and example. He was never prouder than when his sons graduated, married, and became fathers themselves. Most of all, Jim enjoyed being a grandfather. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Pap-Pap. No day was better spent than holding one of his grandkids and playing with model trains or construction toys. Jim had many visions and worked tirelessly to make them reality. Jim made substantial improvements to his 10-acre Baxter Homestead. He reshaped the land with earthmoving equipment that he repaired and operated himself. On his own, he built a large shed, a treehouse for his boys, and a large multi-car garage. In that garage, if it was rusty and couldn't run, Jim would make it better. There wasn't a problem with a motor that wouldn't yield to his master mechanic skills. He most enjoyed restoring classic cars, especially a 1959 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop with a 348 V-8. He could always see the potential beauty beneath a layer of rust. He was an avid reader who particularly enjoyed history and crime novels. His other passions included playing guitar, photography, model trains, and cheering on the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. Jim enjoyed taking cruises and vacationing in Myrtle Beach with his wife, Anna. He was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish as well as several social clubs: Victory Hill Social Hall, Sons of the American Legion, Carroll Township Post #949, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1409, and Founding Member of the Hempfield Brunch Club 1971. Jim is survived by Anna, his beloved wife of 44 years; his sons, Steven (Caitlin) Markovich and Erik (Michelle) Markovich; his four grandchildren, James, John, Lucia, and Benjamin; as well as his sisters, Mildred (Fred) Duncan, Victoria (Richard and Jerry) Blouch-Cuppett, Nancy (Richard) Flowers, and Anna (Herbert) Martin; and brothers, Joseph (Zeta) Gornick and William Gornick. Jim was predeceased by brothers, Thomas Gornick and Richard Wasserman. Jim is also survived by countless nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, 724-258-6767. Blessing prayers will begin in the funeral home at 9:15a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial that will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Monongahela, with Fr. Levi Hartle as celebrant. Internment will follow at Monongahela Cemetery. Condolences can be made online at marshallmarrafuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish or Madonna Catholic Regional School, 722 West Main St., Monongahela, PA 15063.