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.