James A. Zavinski Sr., 82, of Warren, passed away on Thursday February 24, 2022, at the Rouse Home, after an extended illness, with his loving family by his side.
Jim was born in Warren, PA on December 20, 1939, the son of the late John and Mary (Toplovich) Zavinski. Jim grew up in Tidioute, PA where he spent his early life with his parents, brothers, and sisters “on the hill”. He would go on to graduate from Tidioute High School with the Class of 1960. Jim was employed for 32 years at the former Torpedo Wire and Strip and “retired” from Whirley Industries in 2005. Along with his full-time jobs, Jim spent many hours working at the Flying W Ranch as well. He was a longtime member of the Warren City Council where he served four full terms on council and various committees beginning in 2001, before stepping down in January of 2021 after 20 years of service. Jim also served on the Tidioute Borough Council for one term in his earlier life and was a founding member with the Tidioute Fishing Tournament. Jim was an instrumental and founding member of the Music in the Park program.
Jim was of the catholic faith and a former member of St. John Roman Catholic Church, Tidioute. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener, woodworker, craftsman, collector, and amateur archeologist, always looking and digging for Native American arrowheads and classic bottles. Jim never officially “retired” and was known as a handyman who could fix anything and a true jack of all trades. Jim was always a proponent of making his community a better place to live, and believed if you were able to do so, no matter how big or small, it was your duty to do so. In turn he devoted much time helping and lending a hand throughout the community. Aside from his community, family was the center of Jim’s life.
On September 22, 1963, he married Frances Ann “Frankie” Bonavita Zavinski, in Warren, and they would go on to spend the next 58 years together. They say behind every great man is a great woman, and in this case, Frankie was always by his side, if not leading the way. In addition to his wife Frankie, Jim is survived by his three sons; James Zavinski Jr. and wife Sharon, Jeff Zavinski and wife Ruth, and Mark Zavinski and wife Stephanie, all of Warren; brother, Paul Zavinski and wife Ruth, of Warren; sisters Marion Beardsly and husband Clair, and Kathy Briggs, all of Warren; and grandchildren, Christian, Trey, Megan, Eric, Ryan, and Alex.
James was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Louise Lynch; and two brothers, Michael, and John Zavinski.
Friends may call the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. Monday February 28, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor of St. Joseph R.C. Church, officiating. Burial will be held in Warren County Memorial Park. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Rouse Home Estate Fund 701 Rouse Ave. Youngsville, PA 16371 or Paws Along the River, 212 Elm St. Warren PA 16365, or Music in the Park. Those wishing to send E-mail condolences may do by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
My most sincere condolences. May the good Lord offer you comfort and peace.
I remember Jim as relentlessly optimistic. Oh, he could get mad, especially at people he thought were phonies. But though he got mad at what was not being done, he simply rolled up his sleeves and got to work on getting something done. Quite a man. My sympathies to Frankie and the boys, and to all whose lives he brightened.
Deepest sympathies to all ~ Please know we will continue to have all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May the love of others and memories shared provide some comfort.
Our deepest sympathies to Frankie and the boys. You’re in our prayers.
Friend, classmate, all around good guy and admired by all who met him.
So sorry for the loss to all of his family.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He was a great friend and I enjoyed my time with him on City council.
I remember Jim as a welcoming presence when I started working at Whirley, as a friendly, caring person and big supporter of live music, along with Frankie, with the Music in the Park program. Wishing all the family peace and hoping that, in time, marvelous memories in some way balance out the sadness of his passing.
Jim was such a nice guy, always willing to help anyone, as well as his wife. I will keep the whole family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Family, so sorry for your loss.
I used to babysit his three sons as they did not want a “girl” babysitter. Jim was so Loving and FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY. Bless You! Make them Laugh in Heaven.
To the entire Zavinski family, I express my deepest condolences, especially to Frankie, Jim, Jeff and Mark (Booie). When I lived in Warren, the family welcomed me into their home with open arms on a regular basis and provided a family environment which I did not have at the time. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time with the Zavinski family and JAZ will surely be missed. Thank you for everything folks and bless you all.