Michael Stephen James, Age 62, of Westfield, PA
Michael Stephen James, age 62, of Westfield, PA, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at his home. Michael was born January 3, 1964, in Warwick, RI, a son of Dr. Charles and Margaret (Newman) James. He shared 37 years of marriage with his loving and devoted wife, Faun (Burrous) James.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator for PennDOT and as a corrections officer at the Bradford/Tioga County Prison. Michael was a member of the former St. John’s Episcopal Church in Westfield. Michael was very active in his community where he served on the Westfield Borough Council, was the Westfield Emergency Coordinator, and organized the Westfield Christmas parade. He was a member of the Sabinsville Firemens Ambulance Association and lifetime member of the Crary Hose Company in Westfield, where he served as the fire police captain. He was a football and baseball coach, and the team manager and crew chief of the James World Rally Team. Michael was a huge Buffalo Bills fan and member of the “Bills Mafia.” He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He loved watching and collecting movies, with his favorite being Jaws, River Dance, dirt track racing, tractor pulling, and riding side by side.
Michael is survived by his wife; children, Linda (Critter) Graves of Westfield, PA, Christina (Chad) Preston of Osceola, PA, Matthew (Aileen) James of Macon, GA, and Derek James of Westfield; grandchildren, Lane (Grace) Graves, Kole Graves, Hannah Preston, Elyjah Preston, and Marshall Preston; and granddogs, his best friend, Darrin Hunt, who gave Michael the gift of life by donating a kidney; and his brothers and sisters at the 5 House. Michael also leaves behind many cherished relatives and loved ones, too numerous to name individually, who held a special place in his life.
Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 637 South Main Street, Mansfield, PA. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM with Darrin Hunt and Scott Burrous officiating. In Mike’s honor, family and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite Buffalo Bills attire or red, white, and blue to the visitation and service.