James Ford Giesey

James Ford Giesey, born July 24, 1933, in Ligonier, PA, died peacefully at home on April 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, FL, surrounded by family. Jim was a remarkable individual who touched many lives through his diverse passions and dedicated service.

His journey led him to become a minister, a profession he embraced wholeheartedly, spreading love and guidance throughout his various communities.

Jim held a deep love for the mountains, finding solace and inspiration in their tranquil majesty. His adventurous spirit took him to Sudan, where he experienced new cultures and forged lasting connections. A voracious reader, Jim's intellectual curiosity knew no bounds, expanding his horizons and enriching his understanding of the world. Jim displayed a talent for carving, a skill he honed over the years, leaving behind intricate and beautiful pieces that he shared with so many people who crossed his path.

Jim also found joy in gardening, hiking, and sailing, reveling in the beauty of nature and the serenity it provided. His compassionate nature led him to open a soup kitchen in Masontown, PA, embodying his commitment to serving those in need and spreading kindness wherever he went

Jim's academic achievements include graduating from Waynesburg College in 1956 and Pittsburgh Seminary in 1959. He was ordained by the Redstone Presbytery the same year. His dedication to learning continued as he pursued studies in counseling psychology at Penn State University from 1978 to 1982, further equipping himself to support others in their times of need.

Throughout his career, Jim served small member congregations in PA, WV, NC, and VA, leaving a lasting impact on each community he touched. His journey took him to various places including, Bellefonte, PA; Salem, WV; Buckhannon, WV; Farmville, NC; Chesapeake, VA; Carmichaels, PA; Tampa, FL and, finally, St Petersburg, FL.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Giesey, and his brothers, George and Robert. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Cathy Giesey; his son, JS and daughter-in-law, Malia; and his daughters, Heather, Lisa, Laura, Rochelle, and Sharon. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Gabriel and Jacob, and his faithful companion, Gracie.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral ceremony. Instead, his friends and loved ones are invited to honor his memory by making donations to one of these causes that were close to his heart: The Humane Society of the US, The Christian Appalachian Project, Save the Children, and Feeding Tampa Bay.

Jim will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to serving others, his passion for life's many adventures, and his kind and gentle spirit that touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy continue to inspire acts of compassion and love in the world he leaves behind.