James M. “Jim” Gausman, 90, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.

He was born on December 24, 1932, in Ridgway, a son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Proesl Gausman.

On Aug 14, 1965, at St. Leo Church, he married Rachael H. “Rae” Campbell, who survives.  Together they shared more than 58 years of marriage.

Jim was a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of St. Leo’s High School, class of 1950.  He was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Leo’s Church, where he ushered for nearly 45 years. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He then went on to earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Gannon College, and retired from Speer Carbon after many years of service. 

He was a volunteer for the Ridgway Fire Department for more than 50 years. 

Jim shared a bond with his triplet brothers, William and Robert, and they enjoyed having breakfast together every morning before work.  In his free time, he enjoyed working around the house, hunting, and gardening.  He will be remembered as a loving and kind husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter; Lisa Parker and her husband Ed of Ridgway, one son; Chris Gausman and his wife Jacqueline of St. Marys, two granddaughters; Bethany Pratt and Jennifer Cappiello, one great grandson; Parker James Cappiello, and expecting the addition of two more great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother; Tom Gausman of St. Marys, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death 5 sisters; Marien Gausman, Grace Gausman, Edna Gausman (Sister Judith, SSJ), Jeanne Gausman (Sister Anita James, SSJ) and Helen Zawacki, and by five brothers; Howard, Daniel, Gerard, Robert, and William Gausman.

A Mass of Christian Burial for James M. Gausman will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Magnus Church, 111 Depot Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, with Fr. Justin Pino as celebrant.

Burial will follow at St. Leo Cemetery.

Military honors will be accorded by Ridgway, Johnsonburg, Wilcox Burial detail.

Family and friends will be received at St. Leo Church on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgway Fire Department, Elk County Humane Society, and St. Leo School.

On behave of the family, we would like to especially thank the staff and doctors at Elk Haven Nursing Home for the care that was given to Jim.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com