James M. Sipes

James M. Sipes, 70, of Natrona Heights, passed away with his wife by his side on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at the Advanced Care Center, Butler.  He was born March 9, 1952, in New Kensington, a son of the late James S. and Mary (Elosvai) Sipes. Jim bravely fought cancer for two and a half years. Jim was a 1970 graduate of Valley High School.  He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, serving as an M.P. stationed in Germany.  Jim retired after 45 years of service from Curtis Wright, where he worked as a security guard and later as an inspector. He also was employed as a part time police officer in Harrison Township and Brackenridge. He was a life member of the Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Company, the D.A.V. and the V.F.W. Post 894 in Natrona Heights.  Jim enjoyed playing games on his computer, watching sports, trips to Disney, Top Sail Beach and to Rivers Casino.  Jim was an animal lover and enjoyed spending time with his many cats over the years.   His memory will be cherished by his wife of 48 years, Sheryl L. (Chapman) Sipes, his sister, Mary Ellen Sipes, of New Kensington, his nephew, Levi Sipes of Greensburg and by his sister-in-law, Cornelia "Cookie" Howard, of Allegheny Township.  In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by the light of his life his daughter, Lori L. Sipes on January 27, 2016,  by his brother, Robert Sipes,   nephew, Russell Howard and his cats.  

Friends will be received on Sunday from 5-8 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m.  Officiating will be the Rev. R. Cameron Malcolm, IV.  burial will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the funeral home to help with expenses.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.