Francis J. "Jim" Harshbarger

Francis James (Jim) Harshbarger, 68, of Transfer, PA, passed away on August 4, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian.

Francis James (Jim) Harshbarger was born February 16, 1957, to David and Marlene (Pillow) Harshbarger in Youngstown, Ohio.

He attended High School at Mohawk. He became a certified inspection mechanic through New Castle School of trades. He married his first wife, Brenda White on 8/12/78 and raised 3 children with her. She survives him. Jim was a volunteer firefighter for Mahoning Twp. VFD in his younger adult years. He later joined Jefferson Twp. VFD (Mercer co.) and was a member for about 10 years. He received the nick name "Smurf", which his children still called him, while in the Jefferson Twp. VFD, because his favorite color was blue and when his children said "dad" too many answered "what". Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children, grandchildren and friends, making jigs for fishing when his children were younger, demolition derbies, reloading ammo, collecting guns, truck and tractor pulls, car races and growing a garden.

He married his current wife Laleta Budetich on 5/31/03. She survives him. When he became a grandpa, Papa was added to "Smurf." All of his grandchildren called him that. Jim was always willing to lend a helping hand when he could.

He will be missed by his family: wife Laleta, daughters Cheryl (Ben) Yokes and Roxanne (Joe) Hockenberry and son Jimmy (Carley) Harshbarger, grandchildren: Christopher (Jessica) Mellott, Jason Mellott, Gage Mellott, Gina (Aiden) Pew, Gunner Hockenberry, Brighton Harshbarger and Kashton Harshbarger, sister in law: Rosanna Homer, nephew: Don (Abbe) Harshbarger.

He will also be missed by his dogs, Rowdy and Jr., and many friends.

He was proceeded in death by his mother Marlene, his father in law Terry Budetich, his mother in law, Donna, his dog Cocoa, and many aunts and uncles. Cocoa's ashes will be laid to rest with him, as per his wishes.