James Timothy Gaydos, Sr.
formerly of Uniontown
With deep sadness the family of James Timothy Gaydos, Sr., 71, announce the peaceful passing of their loving father and husband the early morning of Friday, August 2, 2024. He was surrounded by his three sons and loving wife at the Novant Hanover Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C. after his third and final arduous battle with cancer.
James Timothy Gaydos was born into a humble upbringing May 5, 1953, in Uniontown. He was one of 10 brothers and sisters who grew up in a small home on Brushwood Road, which is affectionately known in his family as “Gaydos Hollow.”
James served his country in the United States Army, stationed overseas in Korea and beyond.
He returned to civilian life upon completing his military service to follow in his father’s footsteps working in the coal mines. He worked for 23 years at Consol’s Dilworth Coal Mine in Greensboro.
James’ character, leadership, and skill set led him to be elected as the UMWA Local 1980 president.
He was a member of various veterans clubs and organizations including American Legion Post #51, AMVETS Post #103, CWV Post #1669, and VFW #8543. Additionally, he was an active member of the VFW Post #9133 upon relocating to Jacksonville, N.C.
James whistled his way through life while enjoying vegetable gardening, canning, cooking Slovakian family recipes, playing cards, being an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, watching local sports, and especially spending time with his family, in particular, with all of his grandchildren.
James was known as, hands down, the best storyteller and jokester of the family. His sense of humor captivated everyone. If there was laughter, you could be sure James was behind it. His warm smile and enormous sense of humor were only ever dwarfed by the size and compassion of the softest of hearts. James would do anything ever asked of him by his friends and family, especially in their desperate time of need.
James is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marcia of Jacksonville, N.C.; sons, James Jr. and wife Amy Burgess of Uniontown, Eric and wife Lucy Moninger of Canonsburg, and U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Christopher and wife Shundiin George of Waynesville, Mo.; his grandchildren, Skylar, Meadow, Christopher Jr., Cameron, Arilynne, Kylie, Gaige; and one great-grandchild, Christopher Jr. III. James also leaves behind his sisters, Carolyn Parsons of Daytona Beach, Fla., Deborah Livak and husband Jay of Glenwood, Md., Mary Yonker and husband John of Berlin, Md., Brenda Proud and husband Jim of Uniontown; brothers, Daniel Sr. and wife Barbara of Uniontown, Robert and wife Deborah of Daytona Beach; his sister-in-law, Bonnie of Uniontown; along with countless other cousins, nephews, and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Gaydos and Margaret Rabatin; his sister, Barbara “Cookie” Knopp; and his brothers, Edward and Michael Jr.
A memorial liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, in his home parish of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Uniontown. Interment will follow at 11:15 a.m. at Sylvan Heights Cemetary. A wake for the family and friends to follow immediately afterwards at the American Legion Post #51.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to James’ favorite charity, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in his honor.