James J. Vavala, 91, of Warren, PA., died Monday afternoon, December 21, 2020 at the Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA. after an extended illness. He was born in Morrison, PA., on August 15, 1929 to the late Joseph and Vincentina Zaffino Vavala. He was a lifelong Warren area resident. Jim was a 1947 graduate of Warren High School. He had served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Jim was owner of the former Four Six Taxi Service, and general delivery service. He along with his wife, Sandy were owner and operators of the former 400 Lounge. While owner of the 400 Lounge, people remember the Canoe Races, Pig Roasts, Bed Races at Jackson Valley and numerous fun outings. He had been voted best bartender in Warren. He was cook at the former Busy Bee Restaurant, which his family had owned since 1936, retiring at the age of 80. Jim was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church and Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, he was a Fourth-Degree member of the Warren Knights of Columbus Council. He was a 32nd degree member of Joseph Warren Masonic Lodge 726. A member of the Warren Elks Lodge, Warren Moose Lodge 109, Warren Eagles Club, Warren American Legion Post 135, and Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. He was a diehard Miami Dolphins Fan, attended numerous games with his Miami Dolphin buddies. Jim and his wife, enjoyed wintering in Englewood Florida for years.
Jim is survived by his 4 Children – Lisa G. Lewis and husband, Mike of Russell, PA., Cindy Finzel and husband, Bob of Burghill, Ohio,
John Vavala and wife, Barbara of Venetia, PA., Chief Petty Officer, retired, Dino Vavala and wife, Suzanne of Englewood, FL., 2 Sister-in-laws, Roxanne VanOrd and husband, Don of Russell, PA., Delores “Dee” Redmond of Sumter, S.C., 7 grandchildren – Brandon Bobelak and wife, Tara, Jake VanDewark and wife, Ashley, Meghan VanDewark, James Vavala and wife, Brianna, Nina Jordan, Christopher Vavala, Angelina Vavala, 4 Great Grandchildren – Emily Bobelak, Ruby Quinn Garrod, Heyden Jordan, Eliza Jayne VanDewark.
Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Sandra L. Redmond Vavala whom he married May 29, 1954 at St. Joseph R.C. Church, Warren, PA., who died May 10, 2004, 4 Brothers – Bruno, Sam, Carl, and Frank Vavala, 3 Sisters – Jean Vavala, Angeline M. Natale, Rose Natale.
Friends may call at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. on Monday, December 28, 2020, one hour prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor, and Fr. Stephen Schreiber, Pastor of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church. CDC guidelines of mandatory masks and 6 feet social distancing are required. Live streaming of the funeral may be observed by searching for James Vavala Funeral Event via Facebook. Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of the Resurrection at St. Joseph Cemetery. A Flag presentation will be conducted by the U.S. Navy funeral honor guard. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through St. Joseph Church Educational Center Fund, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. 16365 or Holy Redeemer Church Building Center, 11 Russell Street, Warren, PA, 16365, or Hospice of Warren County, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA, 16365.
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to his daughter’s business, Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc.
I’m so sorry for your loss he was a great man!
Jim and I are sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He was my god father along with Sandy being my god mother. He will be missed by all of us. He is joining his wife and my parents in heaven and will continue to look down upon us and keep us safe from harm. RIP. Julie and Jim Brown
So sorry for your lost.
Jim was a … fixture in Warren, something like the Hickory Street Bridge or Beaty Junior High school. It seemed that he had always been there and would always be there. I rode in his taxis, imbibed the drinks he served, and always got a friendly greeting, an exchange of “what’s happening.” The fabric of our community changes, but we seem to assume that some staples, like Jim, will just be around forever. My condolences to his familuy.
My sincere condolences. I remember my parents speaking very kindly of Jim and Sandy.
Always had a fun time with Jim when he owed the 400 lounge. After 2:00 am when the bar closed a few of us would go out for breakfast. Jim was a wonderful person. Condolence to the family at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
So sorry for your loss. May you see your Father’s Wisdom in all you do, and recognize his Kindness in your own Heart. May you always feel Him with You. He has now joined your Mother in Heaven, I can hear the Heavenly choir Welcome him.
We were sorry to hear about Jim. He was one of a kind. Dave worked at the 400 and that’s how we met. 50 years ago. Lots of good memories and good friends from our times there and time with Jim and Sandy. We will never forget.
We are so sorry about your fathers passing such a great man, my parents had a lot of great times with Jim and Sandy. May he be at peace. Keeping you all close at heart you are in our thoughts and prayers. Much Love ❤
I am so sorry for your loss. Lots of good memories at the 400 Lounge with Newell & Jim. We went out for New Year’s Eve with Jim & Sandy. But the best memory was when Jim was best man in our wedding, July 12, 1975. He has now joined Newell in Heaven, may they both rest in peace.+
Lisa, Mike, Cindy and families ~ My deepest sympathies for the passing of your dad. Please know it was a honor and privilege to provide care and love to your dad when I worked at the Rouse. It is difficult watching your parent in the aging process and have health issues, each of you were wonderful advocates for him. May it bring you comfort in knowing that your parents were reunited for Christmas and the New Year. Please know that I will continue to have each of you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks.
Lisa and Mike, Just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you over the passing of your father. He certainly had a great and loving family and will be missed by all of you.
James was a Life Member of Assembly 963 of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and a valued community member of the Warren area. Our prayers are with the family. James is with our LORD now and forever. Amen.
James, You made the trip to heaven. James and I been friends for 45+ years. We had many good conversations and laughs over that time period.
Christian Bros. manhattans, Willie Nelson, Dolphins … oh ya.
REST IN PEACE, MY MAN.
“LUD”
Dear Lisa, Unfortunately, due to out of town visitors and the holidays, we were unaware of the passing of Jimmy until seeing the thank you ad in the paper.
We fondly and gratefully remember the days of Warren County Democratic meetings in the downstairs room of the Busy Bee. Mark, Elissa and I also happily remember Friday night suppers of those marinated steaks and baked potatoes at the Busy Bee. His friendly manner and all the contributions Jimmy made to his family and in making the Warren community a better place are much appreciated. He certainly was a good model for you as you followed in his footsteps of hospitality and community involvement. May he rest in the PEACE of God. Your friends,