James Francis Christie

James “Jim” Francis Christie, age 77, of Big Brownfield, finished his earthly journey, peacefully passing, surrounded by loved ones on March 26, 2026. He was born on April 27, 1948, the son of the late James Joseph and Anna Gertrude (Kohrman) Christie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death way too early by his wife Donna Lee (Maust) Christie, brothers William “Spike” Christie, Daniel Michael Christie and sisters Nancy (Christie) Sloan and Cynthia (Christie) Filby. Jim is survived by two daughters to his previous wife Rinda Rae (Myers) Boyd, Melanie (John) Cerny of Smithfield, PA and Laura (Chuck) Bean of Markleysburg, PA of whom he spent his remaining years with. He is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren, Christian Bean of Hopwood, Isaiah Bean of Uniontown, Elijah (Shelly) Bean of Mount Pleasant, Patience and Judah Bean of Markleysburg and Johnny and Analise Cerny of Smithfield. He is also survived by his brother David Christie of Meadowbrook, Sister-in-law Beatrice Christie of Uniontown, Brothers-in-law, Albert (Regina) Sloan of Uniontown, Allen Filby of Mather, Gary Maust of Elliotsville, Albert Maust of Connellsville, Ricky (Bev) Maust of Elliotsville and many nieces and nephews. Jim grew up at 65 Wilson Avenue, Uniontown PA, attending St. John the Evangelist parochial school, later graduating from Uniontown Area Sr. High. He willingly served in the US Navy during Vietnam on the USS Catamount. Upon returning home he joined the Union Local 354 Plumbers and Pipefitters with his father and two brothers where he was a member for 57 years. Jim was also a lifetime member of the Amvets Post 103 in Hopwood. He frequented Deb’s Tavern in Big Brownfield and the Hopwood Tavern in Hopwood. Jim was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren, beloved dogs and hanging out in his beautiful backyard, listening to Bob Dylan or the Rolling Stones, grilling burgers and brats and enjoying a cold Rolling Rock. Jim’s was an avid reader, and his favorite book was Rules for Radicals. He championed for the underdog, frequenting the Union Hall in his younger years and was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. He enjoyed playing chess or gin, watching Stephen Colbert or daily walking his dog at Hutchinson Park. He bled black and gold, loving the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins, never missing a game. He was known by his loved ones as a clever, witty, wise, insightful and extremely generous man, who lived by the golden rule and was always there when you needed him. A true one-of-a-kind, he will forever be missed, especially for his bear hugs, ornery grin and the twinkle in his eye. In honoring his wishes, there will be no formal services. The family would like to give a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice services for helping them in his final months, especially the kindness and help of their nurse Kaylee Myers.

James Francis Christie

April 27, 1948 - March 26, 2026