James Barninger

James T. Barninger, beloved and devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away on March 9, 2026 at the age of 72, following a brief illness.

James led a life abundant with love, joy, hard work and adventure.

He was born on March 21, 1953, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Vernon and Maxine (nee Massing) Barninger. He was a graduate of Academy High School Class of 1971.

In his youth, James loved music and played guitar in his own rock cover band, “The Blue Fox.” He also enjoyed the thrills of water skiing and riding dirt bikes. His adventurous spirit stayed with him throughout his life and later led him to take up motorcycle riding. James and Marilyn enjoyed riding around town and going to “Bike Nights” on his Victory motorcycle. In his later years, his greatest joy was the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

James’ incomparable work ethic and integrity were the cornerstone of Barninger Builders, the construction company he proudly owned and operated for more than 40 years. Though James’ handiwork was impeccable, his greatest accomplishment was the lifelong friendships formed with many of his clients.

Preceding in death were his parents, Vernon (Barney) & Maxine Barninger, brother-in-law Stephen Chludzinski and sister-in-law Daryl Barninger.

James leaves to cherish him in memory, his loving wife of 47 years, Marilyn (Chludzinski) Barninger; children, Ryan Barninger and his wife Jenn, Julianna Barninger and her husband Steven; grandchildren, Charlotte and Gabriel.

He was beloved and cherished by his brother, Jeffrey Barninger, sister-in-law Diane (Michael) Biondi, brother-in-law Philip (Sharii) Chludzinski, his nephews Eric (Lynn) & Brian (Mindy) Barninger and niece Kelly Barninger. He will also be greatly missed by his nephews Steven (Hue) Chludzinski, Philip Chludzinski and nieces Amy (Kevin) Swartz and Chrissy Chludzinski.

And he will be sadly missed by his cats, extended family and friends. James was known for being extremely honest, funny, hardworking, optimistic, and kind. He cherished the Love of His Life, His Wife, Marilyn, dearly. They enjoyed going to live concerts, cooking and enjoying fires out back on their deck, gardening together and traveling out west to see their daughter and son-in-law.

Friends may call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Road, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment in Whispering Pines Cremation Garden.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions to Orphan Angels Cat Sanctuary or The Sight Center of Northwest PA.

He will be dearly missed.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com