James F. Henry Sr.

James F Henry Sr. age 77, of McDonald, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 30, 2022, surrounded by his children.

He was born September 4, 1945 in Pittsburgh PA; the only son of Frederick and Regina Henry.

He was a 1963 graduate of Fort Cherry High school where he was the president of his class and involved in multiple class organizations. Many of his fellow classmates always said he was smart, thoughtful and caring.

Out of a sense of duty and his family legacy, after graduation from high school, James chose to serve our country, and on July 5, 1963, he enlisted into the 4th Marine Corps District and became an Aircraft Electrician. During that time he was sent as part of the combat missions into the Vietnam War. After serving 4 years in the Marine Corps, and becoming a Sargent, SGT. James F. Henry returned to his home town of McDonald, PA.

Upon his return home, in 1967, he was employed by Koppers Chemical plant in Bridgeville, PA and became the plant supervisor ("Sarge"). He was not only known as the man to turn to, for help in fixing things mechanically, but he was always approachable to any worker that may need advice or help. Koppers was later bought by Reichhold Chemical Company where he eventually retired and continued to work as a consultant beyond 2005.

As a lifelong member of the local community, James was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Belgium Club and the SNPJ. He enjoyed playing cards with all of his friends and loved to play the jukebox and sing and dance. He also enjoyed when he and his wife would plan Steelers parties, so he was able to spend time with his friends and family.

On June 9, 2005, he married Carla N. Bellaire, of McDonald, who had been a devoted wife to him until her passing just 11 days before him, on October 19, 2022.

Surviving is his daughter, Melissa Henry (Dan Dudkiewicz) of Pittsburgh, his two sons, James Henry Jr. (Daniellie Matesic) and Jonathan Henry both of McDonald; his sister, Donna Wells (William Jr); and his nephew, William Wells, III; grandchildren, Grace and Jonas Jason, Alyssa and John Matesic, and Jackson James Henry; step-daughter, Sherry Sutton; Step-grandchildren, William and Joshua; Step-great grandchild, Tessa; sister-in-law in-law, Diane Lloyd of Canonsburg; Brother-in-laws, Harry Bellaire of McDonald, and Howard "Duke" Bellaire of Oakdale.

Deceased is his nephew, Michael Wells, two brothers-in-law, Lyman and Robert Bellaire, and a sister-in-law, Ruth Zilich.

He is also survived by many more family of his own, family from his wife and his many friends. We wish we could mention every one.

At the request of James all services will be private. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Nation Funeral Home Inc. 218 E. Lincoln Ave. McDonald PA 15057. In lieu of flowers or gifts, James and his children wished donations to be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.