James W. White Sr.

1941 - 2015

James "Jay" William White Sr., 74, of Prospect, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 13, 2015, at the VNA Inpatient Hospice, Butler. Born July 16, 1941, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Gardner and Ruth Stojetch White. Jay was the owner operator Jay W White Company, where he excelled in carpentry, furniture making and building homes. He was well known and highly respected in his community and will be missed by all. He was a member of St. Christopher at the Lake Roman Catholic Church. Jay proudly served his country in the Air Force from 1961 to 1964. He had the love for exploring outdoors, hunting and fishing. In the 1970's and 1980's, he enjoyed being the troop leader of the Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 135 in Bellevue. In his early years, he was a well known track star in high school, college and the Air Force, setting many records for running a fast race. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Ray) Melisko, of Emsworth, and James (Kristina) White Jr., of Youngstown, Ohio; his grandchildren, Raymond (Naomi) Melisko III, of Emsworth, and Andrew, Austin and Jessica White, all of Youngstown, Ohio; his brother, Richard (Judy) White, of Colorado; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Sweeny White, who he married Jan. 19, 1963, and passed away May 26, 2010.
Viewing will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, at the EDWARD L. RAISLEY FUNERAL HOME, 387 Main St., Prospect. The blessing service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, in the Raisley Funeral Home, with Father Joseph Feltz, officiating. Military honors will follow. Inurnment of both honorable Air Force veterans Mr. and Mrs. White will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in the Columbarium at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. All are welcome to join the family at one of the designated shelters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Inpatient Hospice, 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001. For more information, go to www.raisleyfuneralhome.com.