James William Stark

James W. Stark, age 61, passed away suddenly on April 17, 2025. Jim lived in Pittsburgh all his life. Growing up as the youngest of six children in North Bessemer, he loved everything about the outdoors, bikes, sled riding and exploring with other neighborhood kids. He was active in Unity Church activities, the Boy Scouts, and played ice hockey. He was a "Paper Boy" delivering the Penn Hills Progress once a week in the neighborhood. Jim graduated from Penn Hills High School (1981) where he played drums in the Marching Band. He went to Point Park University and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He started his career with US Steel then moved on to the communications and informatics fields with Verizon, Avaya, and other contract telecommunication companies. Most recently he was employed by Phones Plus PA, Inc. He got LUCKY in 2002 with a winning Lottery Ticket and was able to take a few years off mid-career and renovated Fixer-Upper homes. To this day, he enjoyed a lottery ticket from time to time. He was an expert at building and fixing things, many which are seen around his home. Jim traveled some and enjoyed camping, the beach, Florida and Cancun vacations. At Christmas he dressed up as "Santa" to visit his nieces and nephews in their homes. Very popular indeed! Jim was a loyal Steeler Fan - TV football games were never missed. He was a devoted son to his parents, chauffer for Airport, Casino, Sams/Costco runs, and helped Mom with the Zinnia and Marigold planting and seed harvesting every year. She used a laser pointer to show him exactly where to plant each flower. Jim was honest, kind, generous, unassuming, fun loving, and would do anything to help someone. His family is devastated by his loss.
Surviving is his father, John A. Stark (age 96); siblings, Nancy Opsahl (Carl), Patricia Snow, Bethanne Porter, John R. Stark, Holly Stark and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by his mother, Betty M. Stark in 2022.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of funeral service at noon at Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238.
Burial will follow at Plum Creek Cemetery, 670 Center New Texas Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15239