James Franklin Mentzer, 71, of Chippewa Twp, formerly of Shenango Twp, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Temple University Hospital. Born December 26, 1945 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Jack and Bess Kemp Mentzer. A 1964 graduate of Shenango Area High School, Jim worked for the Ellwood City Forge Corporation for 37 years starting as a tool grinder and retiring as a purchasing agent in 2004.
Jim was a lifelong member of the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, Elder, and clerk of session. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge 599 of Ellwood City and the New Castle Consistory. An outdoor enthusiast, Jim loved nature. He had a particular love for fishing which led him to making his own lures and establishing his own small business. Enjoying the simple things in life, Jim enjoyed his family and his Wednesday morning breakfasts with “the guys.”
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Billie McConahy Mentzer; their children Jamey (Jared) Mentzer, of Hopewell and Autumn (Jeff) Cairns, of Monaca; his sisters Patricia Carnahan of Hemet, CA, Molly Agostino, and Barbara Tartaglione both of New Wilmington; numerous nieces and nephews; his grandchildren, Nolan and Avery Cairns; and his faithful canine companion, Roxy.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Russell and Jack Mentzer.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday September 1, from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Visiting hours will also be from 10am until the time of service at 11 am at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church officiated by Rev. Julia Williamson. Masonic Service will be offered at 10:30am at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Slippery Rock Church. The family asks that friends, family, and loved ones consider registering as an organ donor. Jim passed away while awaiting a single lung transplant. The possibility of organ transplantation filled his final days here on Earth with hope.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
Billie
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Billie, Jamey and Autumn,
Our hearts are broken for all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family and hoping your memories will bring you comfort.
Rhiannon and Jeremy
Autumn,
Praying for God to bring comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. I pray that He gives you that peace that passes ALL understanding. I am so very sorry for your loss!
Angie Swails
Hi Billie, You have our sincere sympathy. Your old friends from Northview.
Billie.
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Debbie French
I’m just devastated for you guys. Jim was one of the most fun guys I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. We shared more off the cuff jokes than I could ever count. Driving home from work on Tuesday, he was on my mind. I chuckled at the memory of the night I got paired up with him playing ‘Sequence’ and the look on his face every time I screwed up by not drawing my discard on time. It’s fun times like that that stay with you, and God knows there are many. Fly high, Jimbo. I can see him now rolling up to the gates, toothpick hanging out of his mouth and a smile on his face. No more suffering.
Dear Billie, Al and I are very saddened to read of Jim’s passing. He sounds like he was a wonderful man , loved by all. I am sorry I never got to meet him. Please know thhat you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. With my deepest sympathy, Diane Morini.
Dear Billie, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Diane Morini
Dear Billie, Jamey & family, Autumn & family,
So sorry to hear of the death of your husband and father. You and you family have my deepest sympathy. Thinking of your family at this time.
BILLIE AND FAMILY, I am so sorry for you’re loss.you have my deepest sympathy. Diana Shallenberger