James G. Houk, 74

James G. Houk, 74, of Slippery Rock Township passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Born March 24, 1948 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Blaine N. and Nancy Markle Houk. He was married to Nancy Williams Houk.

James was retired from Medusa Cement in Wampum, where he worked as a Quarry Superintendent. He served during Vietnam with the Navy. He was Christian by faith and enjoyed woodworking. Above all else, he loved his family.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Nancy; four daughters, Jane (Ted) Gausman of Illinois, Kristen (Kevin) Houk of New Castle, Kathy (Matt) Presnar of New Castle and Deborah (Matt) Olayer of Cranberry Township; two sisters, Becky Mondi and Dorothy Houk; brother, William (Pattie) Houk of New Castle; 15 grandchildren; Jessica (Seth), Adam, Angela, Jacob, Kevin, Kasey, Kenny, Kaitlyn, Zachary, Brooke, Micah, Jude, Eden, Andrew, and Miriam.

He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Houk and two sisters, Patricia Houk and Polly McGrady.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday August 2, 2022 from 3:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 6:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Avenue, Ellwood City. Pastor Jeff MacKay will officiate. Military Honors will be observed.

Interment will be in Harmony Baptist Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

20 thoughts on “James G. Houk, 74

  1. Dear Jane and Family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss!! Jimmy spoke of his love of Nancy and his girls and grandchildren!! He also spoke about what a privilege it was to take care of you , Nancy, during your treatment. He also asked what we did New Years Eve….. how you two finished up gingerbread boys and had hot chocolate…….(Frank and I did just about the same celebration!)
    As you know, we were birth buddies! And he never let Kim and I forget.
    We just reconnected after many many years of no contact. The reconnection was very special. I shall miss those Facebook entries. Much love and prayers to all of you!
    Kandy Klingensmith Burns Pugh

  2. Dear Jane and Family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss!! Jimmy spoke of his love of Nancy and his girls and grandchildren!! He also spoke about what a privilege it was to take care of you , Nancy, during your treatment. He also asked what we did New Years Eve….. how you two finished up gingerbread boys and had hot chocolate…….(Frank and I did just about the same celebration!)
    As you know, we were birth buddies! And he never let Kim and I forget.
    We just reconnected after many many years of no contact. The reconnection was very special. I shall miss those Facebook entries. Much love and prayers to all of you!

  3. So sorry for your loss. Jim was great man and did a great job of keeping an eye on us in Sunday school. I am sure he touched more lives than he knew. He had a wonderful sense of humor online, he will be missed. Your whole family is certainly in our prayers.

  4. Dear Houk Family,
    I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a special friend. He taught me lessons that I continue to pass on to others. His compassion for people and dedication to God are examples to follow. I am very sorry for your loss and trust that God will give you strength and peace as you face the days ahead.

    • Thank you for your condolences. Jim was the most generous man I ever knew. I will always miss him, but I know he is in heaven.

  5. Dear Houk Family,
    My prayers are with you with all of Jim’s friends and relatives. I was not a super close friend of Jim’s, but we communicated through Facebook over the last couple of years since we graduated high school together. I will always remember Jim as honest, funny, informative and proud of his family. I wish we would have gotten together sooner in life. May God be with you during this very difficult time

  6. My deepest sympathies to the Houk family. I worked with Jim at Medusa, he was a great man who will surely be missed.

  7. Nancy and Family, You have my deep sympathy of losing Jimmy. I will always remember him as Jimmy Jet from Ellwood City, PA VT-21 Power plants Kingsville, Tx. He made many hops to west Texas to court you. Looking back we all loved him too.

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