James Vincent Panescon

SALEM - James Vincent Panescon, 87, of Salem, Ohio, passed away Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, at Salem Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Known to many as Jimmy, he will be remembered with great affection for his kindness he showed to everyone he met.

Jimmy was born on March 24, 1939, in Fairmont, West Virginia, the son of Angelo and Flora (D'Amico) Panecasio. Raised in Fairmont, he was a graduate of West Fairmont High School and continued his education at Fairmont State University before enlisting in the United States Army in 1961. After two years of honorable service, he returned to his hometown and began working for the Owens-Illinois glass factory. On September 25, 1965, Jimmy married the former Katherine Finoche. The newlywed couple relocated to Salem, Ohio, after Jimmy accepted a position as a forklift operator with General Motors in Lordstown, Ohio, where he devoted 32 years of faithful service before retiring.

Jimmy and Katherine built a life centered on love, family, and shared experiences. Their marriage spanned 60 devoted years, and their bond remained a source of strength and joy through every season of life. A devoted husband, loving father, and a proud grandpa, his family was the center of his world and he treasured time spent with those closest to him.

Jimmy enjoyed life's simple pleasures and made the most of every opportunity to be with family and friends. He loved catching the latest movies, keeping up with football and basketball games on television, and found relaxation and peace while fly fishing on Neshannock Creek. He also enjoyed traveling with Katherine, especially vacations at the beach, as well as exploring new restaurants and wineries together. Jimmy and Katherine were members of St. Paul Catholic Church in Salem.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Katherine; daughter, Saundra Whitson and her husband, Ken, of Moseley, Virginia; and his granddaughters, Alexandra Devine and her husband, Caleb, and Kayla Whitson, who lovingly called him "Grandpa Jimmy."

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his three older sisters, Rose Speer, Antoinette "Toni" Durham, and Marietta Hillberry.

Friends and family will be received from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 329 Maryland Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554, where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., with Father Kishore Varaparla as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Fairmont, WV.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Local arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view James's obituary and send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
 

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