Obituary: Pantaleo, James William “Jim”

PANTALEO,
James
William
“Jim”

Our loving husband, father, and grandfather James was called to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, following a courageous, three year battle with cancer.

Born to Joseph and Suzie Mikula Pantaleo, and raised in a small steel town in Western Pennsylvania, James was employed by St. Joe Zinc Smelter, Monaca, PA as a Journeyman Machinist.

When the plant closed in 1980, he made the fearless decision to move his family to Spokane, WA and accepted a supervisory position with Kaiser Aluminum.

He later went on to work at Spokane Industries, Steel Foundry until his retirement.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Grazulis, they were blessed with four loving, successful children: James (Suffix, VA), Joyce (Clyde) Howard (Belton, Texas), Judy Cash (Spokane) and Joseph (Michelle) Pantaleo (Spokane).

They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August, 2016.

His first car was a ‘51 Ford Hot Rod and he was a lifetime loyal Ford owner.

Jim loved taking road trips with the family visiting historical sites throughout the US and Canada, as well as relaxing at the seashore, whether on the East, South, or West Coasts.
With a deep love and passion for all things outdoors, scouting and outdoor adventures were in his DNA.

Nothing made him happier than to be on the water in his canoe or boat, hiking some remote trail, fishing to catch his dinner, and camping under the stars.

His commitment to “Canoe Trails”, a High Adventure Wilderness Program, has inspired and taught many young adults how to exercise their leadership roles and survival skills in the Canadian wilderness.

While Jim was recognized as a resourceful and talented craftsman, he was also notorious for his sense of humor, twinkling eyes, and loyalty to his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jim never sought the limelight, but always worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure others were successful.

A leader in the Knights of Columbus, he lived by and consistently demonstrated their principles of Charity, Fraternity, Unity, and Patriotism.

Jim was an honorable man who knew that joy in life came from serving others.

Words are inadequate to describe the depth of admiration many felt for this man and the value of the legacy he has passed on.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie Hare (Spokane), Kate Pantaleo (Virginia), Andrea Howard (Arizona), Chase Cash (Spokane); and great-grandchildren Abryelle and Liam Gartner (Spokane); siblings Mike (Joan) Pantaleo, Rose John (Tom Golofsky), Suzanne Mann (all of Aliquippa, PA); and brother-in-law Joseph (Bonnie) Grazulis (Florida) and numerous nephews and nieces.

We thank the staff of Hospice of Spokane, Cancer Care Northwest and Gamma Knife Inc. for their compassionate care during Jim’s illness.

A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016, at St. John Vianney Church at 7:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Road, Spokane Valley, WA.

A reception following the Funeral Mass will be held in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Spokane, Bishop White Seminary, or Spokane Guilds’ School.

Arrangements have been entrusted to: