James Christie Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory - R. Lee Williams Chapel on Mar. 31, 2026.
James "Jim" Francis Christie, age 77, of Big Brownfield, finished his earthly journey,
peacefully passing, surrounded by loved ones on March 26, 2026.
He was born on April 27, 1948, the son of the late James Joseph and Anna Gertrude
(Kohrman) Christie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death way too early by his
wife Donna Lee (Maust) Christie, brothers William "Spike" Christie, Daniel Michael Christie and
sisters Nancy (Christie) Sloan and Cynthia (Christie) Filby.
Jim is survived by two daughters to his previous wife Rinda Rae (Myers) Boyd, Melanie
(John) Cerny of Smithfield, PA and Laura (Chuck) Bean of Markleysburg, PA of whom he spent
his remaining years with. He is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren, Christian Bean of
Hopwood, Isaiah Bean of Uniontown, Elijah (Shelly) Bean of Mount Pleasant, Patience and
Judah Bean of Markleysburg and Johnny and Analise Cerny of Smithfield. He is also survived
by his brother David Christie of Meadowbrook, Sister-in-law Beatrice Christie of Uniontown,
Brothers-in-law, Albert (Regina) Sloan of Uniontown, Allen Filby of Mather, Gary Maust of
Elliotsville, Albert Maust of Connellsville, Ricky (Bev) Maust of Elliotsville and many nieces and
nephews.
Jim grew up at 65 Wilson Avenue, Uniontown PA, attending St. John the Evangelist parochial
school, later graduating from Uniontown Area Sr. High. He willingly served in the US Navy
during Vietnam on the USS Catamount. Upon returning home he joined the Union Local 354
Plumbers and Pipefitters with his father and two brothers where he was a member for 57 years.
Jim was also a lifetime member of the Amvets Post 103 in Hopwood. He frequented Deb's
Tavern in Big Brownfield and the Hopwood Tavern in Hopwood.
Jim was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren, beloved dogs and hanging
out in his beautiful backyard, listening to Bob Dylan or the Rolling Stones, grilling burgers and
brats and enjoying a cold Rolling Rock.
Jim's was an avid reader, and his favorite book was Rules for Radicals. He championed for
the underdog, frequenting the Union Hall in his younger years and was a lifelong member of the
Democratic Party. He enjoyed playing chess or gin, watching Stephen Colbert or daily walking
his dog at Hutchinson Park. He bled black and gold, loving the Pittsburgh Steelers and
Pittsburgh Penguins, never missing a game.
He was known by his loved ones as a clever, witty, wise, insightful and extremely generous
man, who lived by the golden rule and was always there when you needed him. A true
one-of-a-kind, he will forever be missed, especially for his bear hugs, ornery grin and the twinkle
in his eye.
In honoring his wishes, there will be no formal services. The family would like to give a
special thanks to Amedisys Hospice services for helping them in his final months, especially the
kindness and help of their nurse Kaylee Myers.