James E. “Big Jim” VanAlstine, 92, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Pinecrest Manor.

He was born on September 12, 1931 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late Earl and Pearl Rice VanAlstine.

On June 14, 1952, in Portville, NY, he married the late Inez Hoak VanAlstine, who preceded him in death in 1995. Together they shared more than 43 years of marriage.

Jim was Methodist by faith and retired from Pure Carbon after more than 40 years of dedicated service. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, where he had also served as Worshipful Master for 2 years.

He was also a faithful volunteer for the Crystal Fire Department for more than 25 years.

Always enjoying the outdoors, Jim loved hunting, going to camp, and riding his 4-wheeler. Throughout the years, Jim came to be somewhat of an expert when it came to the lost Dent’s Run gold, after having spent more than 50 years researching its whereabouts and looking for it when time allowed. In his earlier years, he was one of the founders of the Mountain Rangers Emergency CB Club, one of the first communication radios in the area for the local police and search and rescue organizations. A carpenter by secondary trade, Jim put on many roofs in the area to help support his family, and loved nothing more than spending time with his family.

He is survived by 5 children; Annette (John) Gerber of Butler, James (Penny) VanAlstine of Brynedale, Penny (Dennis) Geist, of St. Marys, Cynthia (Richard) Boroi of Kersey, and Shelly (Douglas) O’Hara of Indiana; by 8 beloved grandchildren; and by 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son and a daughter in infancy, his grandson, Justin Geist, by 3 brothers; John “Jack” VanAlstine, Earl “Toots” VanAlstine, and Charles “Chuck” VanAlstine, and by 2 sisters; Bessie Frey, and Anna Ferris.

A Memorial Service for James E. “Big Jim” VanAlstine will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Lynch-Green Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, Saint Marys, PA, 15857.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 6:30 PM until 7:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a favorite charity.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.LynchGreenFuneralHome.com.