James Alan Janke was born on August 4, 1947 in Wilkinsburg, Pa. The son of the late Fred Janke and Catherine Bright Janke. He survived heart failure, cancer and chemotherapy, only to suffer an unfortunate and devastating stroke. Jim passed away peacefully at home on June 20, 2015 at the age of 67.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Whitworth Janke, whom he married on , June 20, 1969; they were married for 46 years. He is also survived by son James Janke Jr., daughters Jennifer Janke McCoy, and Jessica L. Janke; granddaughter Taylor McCoy, grandsons Dylan McCoy, Orion Lucas Lopez, and another grandson Lopez due in August; Brothers Fred Janke and his wife Rachel, David Janke and his wife Penny Whitworth Janke, nephew Curtis Janke, and numerous other family members throughout the country.

Jim was a member of The Asbestos Workers Local #60 for 45 years and worked for various companies and in many areas the world including The Alaskan Pipeline, Turkey Point Nuclear Station, Sugar Mills, Yachts, High Rises on Miami Beach, United States Coast Guard Ships, and Cruise Ships to France, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Jim was known for his quick wit and extremely vast knowledge. We would always challenge him and then look it up , or “google it!”, as he would say; but he was always right!

He was always building something, whether it was shelves, models, or his most detailed project to date: an extravagant and detailed pirate ship built over a radio flyer wagon for his grandson Orion. He was known at work for making things with armaflex and foamglass, and the people that received his various creations definitely got some good laughs!

Another hobby was drawing­funny pictures or cartoons, doodling on napkin wrappers at any restaurant! He loved to tell jokes and impressed so many people with his wit.

Jim made a huge impact on people he worked with, people he came in contact with daily, and even people whom he had met just once. He will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten. We love you!

Gathering of family and friends will be on Friday, June 26, 2015, from 7-9 p.m. with a Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 8:00 p.m. at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive.