James H. Gandy

James H. Gandy, 31, of Wayne Ave., Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 17, 2015 at his residence.

Born March 26, 1984 in Ellwood City, he was the son of Eugene Morgan of Ellwood City and the late Johanna Gandy who passed away May 14, 2013.

James graduated from Lincoln High School in 2002. He continued his education for 2 years at Slippery Rock State University. James then joined the military and served with the U.S. Army from 2003 – 2011.

Staff Sergeant James Gandy, served 7 years and 11 months in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Drum, NY with three deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His awards include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He was Honorably Discharged in 2012.

Upon his discharge, he completed his bachelor’s degree in 2014 at Beaver County Community College where he achieved excellent grades that entitled him to be on the President’s List. James was a member of the Love Hope Baptist Church. He enjoyed watching basketball and professional wrestling with his friends. His greatest pride and joy was being a dad.

Survivors include a son, Jatavion H. “J.J.” Gandy at home; a sister, Caren Gaskins of Youngstown, Ohio, and aunts and uncles, Barbara Gandy, Katherine Gandy, Vernon Gandy, Willie Gandy, George Walker, Charles Borders, Anthony Borders, Andrew Borders, Nathan Borders, Carolyn M. Morris, Gwen B. Walker, Karen Borders, Christine Borders, Rena Bates and Sandra Borders, and a host of loving family and friends.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Mae Gandy and Charles and Evelyn Borders.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, April 21 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME, 200 Fountain Ave., Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at the Love Hope Baptist Church on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with his pastor, the Rev. Canard S. Grigsby Sr. officiating.

Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.