James Race

James Race, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Indiana, PA, on July 27, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on February 27, 1955, Jim dedicated his life to his family and career, leaving a legacy characterized by hard work and humor.

Jim grew up in Marion Center. He graduated from Marion Center High school in 1973 where he was a stand out athlete; scoring over 1,000 points in his high school basketball career. He would continue his love of sports by playing for many years after high school and then transitioning to "coach" in several sports, for his children and their teammates and eventually his grandchildren. It only took 3 short years after graduation for him to find the love of his life, Karen. They met in 1976 and married in September the following year. Their family quickly grew from just the two of them, to a family of five.  After graduation he worked at the coal tipple for Mears Coal company for  several years before becoming a truss designer at Fairman's Roof Trusses. Designing trusses is what led him and his wife to move to Texas in 2001. He worked for Universal Forest Products for 9 years before deciding it was time for a change. He always wanted to have his own company and in 2010 he decided to make that happen. He found a gutter company that he would soon own and operate.  He served as the CEO of Fredricksburg Gutter Solutions from 2010 to 2023, quickly earning the respect of many in the community through his commitment and integrity. His handshake meant something, and those he worked with and did jobs for, knew it. In 2020 Jim and Karen decided it was time to move back to their home state of Pennsylvania but his company kept going until Jenifer, his daughter, and her husband, Wacey, decided they too, were going to move to Pennsylvania.   In 2024 Jim retired. He took great pride in being a well-known business owner who was respected by many, but even more, he was proud of his family, which was the heart of his life. 

Throughout his life, Jim was deeply involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He could always be found cheering them on at sporting events, recitals, and other various functions. He was a very proud father and Pap Paps.  Jim loved fishing with his buddies, playing cards with friends, watching (and sometimes yelling at) the Pittsburgh Steelers, and planning trips that took him out of the hustle and bustle of city life and deep into the country. He and Karen went on several trips and vacations all over the country, but mostly Montana, with their lifelong friends; where the guys would fly fish for hours and the ladies would shop and relax. He also loved family game night where a feast was to be had for sure. His love for mashed potatoes was a hallmark of his culinary preferences, often shared at family gatherings, where laughter was abundant—one of the many gifts he gave to those around him. Known for his honest and hardworking demeanor, Jim had a personality that could light up any room. He was a natural jokester, always ready with a quip or a laugh, ensuring that even the simplest moments were filled with joy.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, the family will hold a private Celebration of Life, honoring his memory and sharing laughter over the countless wonderful moments they experienced together.

He is survived by his wife, of what would have been 48 years this September, Karen (Helman) Race; daughter, Jenifer (Race) and husband Wacey Norsworthy; son, Timothy and wife Shannon Race; and son, Brent Race; and his five favorite grandchildren: Paige, Emma, and Brayden Norsworthy and Aidan and Mya Race. He is also survived by his sisters Eulene Risinger; Virginia Clawson, Janet Brain, and Ruth Anne Boyd; brother, Thomas Loughry; brother-in-laws Robert Mikesell and George Clawson.

He was preceded in death by his guardians, Earl and Florence Kuntz; sister, Marlene Mikesell; and brother-in-law, Russell Risinger.

James Race will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but for the love he shared with those closest to him and the light he brought into their lives. His family and friends will carry forward the laughter and joy he instilled in their hearts.