James E. “Jim” Ignatz, 59, of Gilpin Township, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023, in his residence.

A son of the late Joseph Ignatz and Della (Hartman) Ignatz of Gilpin Township, he was born June 2, 1964 in New Kensington, PA.

Jim was a veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force.  He had been employed as a craneman for Allegheny Ludlum Steel in Brackenridge for 34 years before retiring in 2022.  He was a member of the Schenley American Legion Post 775, the PABC (Pennsylvania Antique Bottling Club) and the Gilpin Rifle Club.  As an avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed deer hunting, mushroom picking, traveling, kayaking, grilling, stone masonry, and was an award-winning fisherman and self-proclaimed hillbilly.  Jim was a man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others, and above all honored with taking care of his mother.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a brother, John Ignatz (Becky) of West Leechburg; a sister, Janice Rutledge (Curtis) of Gum Spring, VA; a niece and nephews, Matt, Shawn, Greg, Amanda, Nathan; a great-nephew and two great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father; and a brother, Joseph Ignatz.

Friends will be welcomed by his family on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main St., Leechburg, 724-842-1051, where funeral ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, with the Rev. James V. Arter III officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery in Gilpin Township with military honors. Donations in his name may be made to the cancer organization of the donor’s choice.