James Penman

The most avid, dedicated, and successful Bingo Player passed away last Monday evening at Maple Crest Nursing Home. 

James Penman, 88, was born in October of 1936 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the son of Earl and Betty Hura Penman.  He eventually moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where he worked at Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. and retired after 25 years as a tube roller.   He also found the love of his life there when he married Mary Jane Koren in 1977 at Holy Trinity Parish.  They would have celebrated 48 years of marriage in July of this year.

Jim and Mary Jane settled in Struthers, and after retirement, enjoyed many years as snowbirds, traveling to Florida to their “mobile” home.  For thirteen years, Jim did all his driving duties, to and from Ohio, with Mary Jane as the trusted navigator.   They made countless friends during their years of wintering in Florida.

More than anything, Jim was our “Uncle Jim”.  He had a large repertoire of one-liners that made everyone laugh, was always ready to fix a broken toy, or help Grandma.   He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and dedicated wife, Mary Jane, sisters-in-laws: Nancy Penman, Janet Hura, Judy (Bob) Davis, Suzy (Ron) Garchar, Evelyn Koren, Marcia Koren, many nieces and nephews, and countless family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, brothers, Richard, Edward, and Robert, and multiple brothers and sisters in-law. 

The Penman family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Kirila Funeral Home and will receive friends on Monday, June 16, from 4 to 6 pm.  A Mass of Burial will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday morning at 11 am, with a memorial luncheon to follow.

A special note of gratitude is extended to the staff at Maple Crest Nursing Home for the care he received, as well as to Alex Vrable, D.O., who cared for Jim for over 48 years!

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