James G. Hirko

James G. Hirko, 72, was born November 30, 1952 in Latrobe, PA and passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2025 at home in Latrobe, PA. He had lived most of his life in Stahlstown, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary L. (Suich) and Joseph M. Hirko, Sr. and brothers, Albert and Joseph M. (Shorty) Hirko, Jr. as well as sisters-in-law, Edwina, Betty, Sheryl and Marion Hirko and brother-in-law, George Robert Datz. Jim Is survived by a son, Ernie Cox, of Manns Harbor, NC and siblings, Martha Datz, Michael J. Hirko and Theresa (Teri) Hirko Murphy (Butch), all of Ligonier as well as a number of nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. Following in the footsteps of his father (US Army, WWII) and brothers, Mike (USMC, Vietnam) and Joe (Shorty - USAF), Jim enlisted in the military following graduation from Ligonier Valley Senior High School and was a United States Army Veteran having served from 1971 to 1973. Beginning in 1972 he was stationed in Korea during peace time as a postal clerk. He was honorably discharged as SP4 in July 1973 from the 305th Detachment (FORSCOM) at Fort Bragg, NC. and returned home to Stahlstown, PA. He had been employed at various jobs including PennDOT in Westmoreland County, Kooser State Park, Roaring Run Resort and Laurel Highlands Campland as a laborer and groundskeeper over the years. Jim was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball, football and bowling. He was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. He spent many years as a Boy Scout and enjoyed going camping at Camp Conestoga with his troop as well as participating in the Indian Raid at the Flax Scutching and other scouting activities. He served as an Altar Boy at St. Boniface Parish in Acme, PA for several years during his youth. His hobbies included reading Louis L'Amour westerns, fly tying and being in the outdoors whenever possible. He also enjoyed coon hunting and ginseng hunting with his former brother-in-law, Randy Critchfield of Champion, PA, for many years. As per his wishes there will be no public visitation or funeral services. Interment will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to McCabe Funeral Home, 144 East Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658. Memorial contributions can be made directly to the family c/o Theresa Murphy, 512 Trout Avenue, Ligonier, PA 15658, McCabe Funeral Home or to Heroes Never Alone, Inc. through their website at heroesneveralone.org (please note in memory of James Hirko) in appreciation of their assistance to himself, family members and local veterans. Jim would ask that in his memory you simply honor your mother, be a good person to your fellow man, never tolerate violence against a woman, don't cuss especially in the presence of women or children, always pet a friendly dog and most especially take a kid fishing, hunting, bowling and/or camping whenever you get a chance. Enjoy a bowl of buttered popcorn (none of that microwave stuff, use a pot), some crispy fried chicken, haluski and/or pickled eggs with beets and cold beer, look skyward and think of him. John 15:13 "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."