Charles R. ‘Chip’ James – DONORA

Charles R. “Chip” James, of Donora, entered into the gates of heaven on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at the age of 78. He was born on Feb. 8, 1942. The son of the late Jes-se and Dorothy James, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Joycelyn A. James and a baby sister; and one granddaughter, Savannah Hall. Chip was a lifelong resident of Donora. Following his graduation from Donora High School, he joined the United States Air Force. After serving his country in the Air Force, he returned home and attended a trade school. Upon completion of trade school, he was employed by Bell Telephone Company and retired after 30 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Donora, Booker T. Washington Lodge No. 218 I.B.P.O.E. of W., McKeesport, and a former member of Mon Valley Lodge No. 208 I.B.P.O.E. of W., Donora. Charles was best known as “Chip” all his life. Everyone, who knew him, knew that he was known for his “G”rage, a.k.a. man’s cave where he socialized with the old retirees, family, friends and people walking and driving by. He loved taking fishing trips with his boat to Lake Erie and other surrounding areas and hunting. Chip was a die-hard Steelers fan. His happiest days were driving and working on his 1965 Ford Mustang, which he cherished; gardening and traveling were some of his favorite hobbies. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife, Brenda Dow-James of Donora; one son, Brian and wife Shebra Hall of Delaware; one daughter, Tiffany Scott of Minneapolis, Minn.; four grandchildren, Jocelyn Bizzelle, Thomas Jamal Franklin, Sydney Hall and Trent Hall; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. We will miss his kind and loving heart and we loved him more than he’ll ever know. Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 19, 2020, at First Baptist Church, 541 Allen Ave., Donora, where a funeral service will begin at noon. Quallan T. Hawkins is the pastor of First Baptist Church. Eulogy will be given by Elder Maurice B. Wade Jr., pastor of Whole Truth C.O.G.I.C. of Donora. The service will be followed by interment in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora, with military honors by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad. Final celebrations are entrusted to MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, PA 15063, 724-258-6767, marshallmarrafuneralhome.com, Marshall Marra, funeral director, Bryan Lawson, assistant director.