James "Jim" Gresh

On September 17, 2024, James "Jim" Gresh, a legendary hard worker and jack-of-all-trades, master of all, put away his tools and WD-40, clocked out, and left behind a legacy of dedication and love.

Jim "Daddy, Grandpa, Pa," was born in West Virginia on February 20, 1933, to the late George A. and Frances (Lasota) Gresh.

Jim was a hard worker from a young age until just hours before entering Heaven. His childhood on the family dairy farm in Gudgeonville and early adulthood working on the railroad were filled with many adventures.

He served in the Army from April 1, 1953, to March 31, 1955, earning the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Then Jim met the love of his life, keeper of his heart and ultimately-his REAL BOSS…Virginia “Jenny” Roney.   Jim and Jenny married on January 17, 1959, and built a beautiful life together.

Their four children - Ginger L. Cinti, Patricia (Patty) A. Gresh, Kimberly (Kim) S. Gresh, and Karen E. (Gary) Curtis - knew only hard work and love.

As Jim would tell you, when they married, he worked two full-time jobs at Girard Model Works and Fenestra. He would come home briefly for Jenny to hand him a sandwich before heading to his next job. After finishing those jobs, he'd join Jenny in caring for their children, refinishing furniture, and antiquing.

Jim retired from Fenestra in 1993 and focused on what truly mattered most to him, his family. He spent his days working on various projects, fixing everything from cars to furnaces to broken hearts. There was nothing this man couldn't fix.

Over the years, Jim's family grew. His grandchildren - Kristy (Michael) Kibbe, Tiffany (Dennis) Frutos, Anthony Watson, Emily Watson, and Kelly (Lee) Rohan - considered him the absolute best grandfather.

The great-grandchildren brought Jim even greater joy: Abigale and James Kibbe, Kendall and Dennis Frutos, Karla and Andrew Diehl, and Emerson and Ensley Rohan.

Jim's days were filled with a mix of hard work and cherished memories.

He spent his time working outside on projects,  driving his tractor "Bullwinkle," spending time with Jenny, antiquing and debating with Ginger. He loved going to Kimberly’s house for homemade pizza. He would find himself at Patty’s to fix whatever she broke after she got done mowing the grass too fast. Karen's cooking was always a delight that he enjoyed.

The Fiesta shopping trip to West Virginia with Kristy became legendary, providing years of laughter and stories.

Jim took pride in teaching Mike how to fix anything and everything. He spent hours discussing prescriptions with Tiffany, his personal pharmacist.  Dennis served as his personal 24/7 tech support, always on call. Jim loved  talking to Anthony about the news and current events, and loved when Emmy brought something sweet when she came to visit.

At night, Jim would sit with Jenny for their bowls of ice cream. Their two dogs Wilbur and Nelly, would jump on his lap as soon as he sat down. 

These everyday moments, shared with his loved ones, brought Jim immense joy and fulfillment.

When Jim received complete healing and ran through the gates of Heaven, he was greeted by his sister Helen (Gresh) Bell, brothers George "Sonny" Gresh Jr., Thomas Gresh, William Gresh, and Edward Gresh, and his son-in-law Dennis W. Cinti.

Friends and family are invited to a viewing at Edder Funeral Home in Girard, PA, on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 2 pm-4 pm and 6 pm-8 pm, with a funeral service on Saturday, September 21, at 10 am.  Burial to follow, with military honors, at Girard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Jim's passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of his wife, Jenny, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives were forever changed by his love, kindness, and generosity.

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