James Muha's Obituary
James Muha, 84, passed away peacefully at home on November 23 in South Park, PA. Jim was born on January 11, 1940 in Homestead, PA to Andrew Muha and Susan (Yamnicky) Muha. Jim graduated from Homestead High School in 1957, setting out on a life full of adventure, mystery, and laughter (much like the stories he told).
He enlisted in the Army for basic training in 1962 and spent six years in the Army reserves. Never one to just do one thing at a time, he started his career at J&L Steel Corporation in Pittsburgh as a millwright assistant while attending night school at the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated in 1969 with a degree in Mathematics.
He remained at J&L, working as a research lab programmer analyst, scrap salesman, and purchasing agent until they closed their facilities in Pittsburgh in 1982. After 28 years at J&L, Jim continued working in the computer and purchasing fields, retiring from the University of Pittsburgh as a purchasing agent in 2005.
Jim married the love of his life, Catherine O'Donnell, on April 11,1964. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year, surrounded by their immediate family. Jim and Cathy have three children: Beth, Jim, and Joe.
Jim's legacy is undoubtedly one of warmth, kindness, and servant leadership. He was a longtime volunteer for his church and the South Park Lions club. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he could be found assisting friends and family or working on his endless list of home improvements. He was a coach for his kids football, baseball, and softball teams. He loved fishing, bird watching, cheering on his sons and grandsons at their hockey games, and was a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Catherine, children Beth (John) Susnak Indianapolis, IN, Jim (Leslie) Cleveland, OH, Joe (Rose) Columbus, OH, and grandchildren Brianna, Joe, Jessica, Diana, Nicholas, Laura and Jack Henry. His grandchildren will forever remember his deep laugh, lifelong sweet tooth, knock-knock jokes, and bedtime stories.
James is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Susan and brothers Martin, Joseph, and Andrew.
The family wishes to extend deep appreciation and thanks for Bethany Hospice staff, nurses and aides as well as close neighbors in Greenbriar for all their help.
Friends and family will be received on Friday, November 29th, 2024, from 4-8pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, PA, 15236.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 30th at 12:00 PM at St. Thomas A' Becket Church, 139 Gill Hall Rd, Clairton, PA 15025.
Interment with be handled by Jefferson Memorial Park, Pittsburgh, PA.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests Memorial donations in Jim's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org or the Tunnel to Towers foundation at t2t.org
Online condolences can be made at jeffersonmemorial.com.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?