James P. Simala

James P. Simala, 81, formerly of Stockdale, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. A son of the late Charles and Mary (Planeta) Simala, he was born April 3, 1927, in Stockdale. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. James was retired from Banning Mine, where he worked as a coal tipple and flat-roader operator. During his early years, Jim was a CB buff known as "hydraulic miner" and actively involved in local stock car racing, which lead to his love for watching NASCAR racing. He also loved trout fishing, reading, and watching WWE wrestling and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Survivors include his wife, Virginia; and daughter, Karen; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul 'Butchie' and Carol Simala, John and Nancy Simala and Thomas and Barbara Simala; and four sisters, Cecelia 'Sissy' Clark, Ann Krilosky, Caroline Terrana and Kathryn 'Kay' Malarbi. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and sister, Charles 'Buckwheat' Simala and Mary Belski. Arrangements were entrusted to the Melenyzer-DuBarr Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc., Roscoe. There was no public visitation, and interment will be held at the convenience of the family. From the family: "To those wishing to remember the many acts of kindness Dad did for them, we request that a donation of a book be made in his name to any local library so that he may continue to help others." On-line condolences will be accepted at www.Melenyzer-DuBarr.com.