Beloved father, papa, brother, and uncle, James Michael Cardamon, 89, of Hermitage, PA, passed away on August 23, 2024, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Jim was born on May 11, 1935, in Indiana, PA, to Angelo and Veronica (O'Hara) Cardamon.  He was raised in Mount Lebanon, PA, graduated from Mount Lebanon High School, and attended the University of Pittsburgh before joining the United States Army.  During his six years of service with the Army, he proudly served in the prestigious role of Sentinel and Assistant Second Relief Commander at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, from September 1957 to May 1958. For his service at the Tomb, he was awarded the distinguished Tomb Guard Identification Badge, and a member of the first group to receive their badges.

Jim was a founding father and former President of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  He engaged in many speaking presentations throughout western PA and eastern OH at schools, community organizations, and nursing homes where he loved sharing his photos and memorabilia.  He fostered and treasured his friendships with the men who served before him, with him, and after him.  He embodied their motto, "Soldiers never die until they are forgotten, Tomb Guards never forget."

Upon discharge, he came to the Shenango Valley to join his parents and siblings who had relocated to Farrell, PA.  Jim was hired at McDowel Bank as a teller and held various positions before joining First National Bank. While at FNB, he would spend 23 years serving the community with integrity, honesty, and compassion. He retired in 2001 as the Senior Vice President of Retail Banking. His banking career really had two key attributes: first, he always was a stellar representative of the bank in the community and exuded the concept of Personal Banking. Second, he was a masterful mentor for the younger bankers who worked for him.

On November 28th, 1964, Jim married the former Norene "Reenie" Henighan at Sacred Heart Church, Sharon. Together, they raised three children and helped raise grandchildren, Nicholas and Sarah.

Jim was a devout Catholic and a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the Parish Financial Council for many years. For decades, Jim served the Shenango Valley in various ways, including: as a president of the Sharon Country Club, Coordinator of the Shenango Valley Enterprise Zone Corporation, President of the Sharon Social Fishing Club, member of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce, Hermitage Rotary, Hermitage Little League Board, and former Little League coach. Jim was also the former President and Board Director of the F.H. Buhl Club, earned a brown belt in Karate, and enjoyed pitching for the FNB Softball teams. An avid outdoorsman and fisherman, Jim was a black powder long-rifle enthusiast and diligent student of the French and Indian War Era, leading him to participate in reenactments of the Eastern Woodland Mountain Men with a group of his closest friends. He loved to spend time with family and friends at his hunting camp in Elk County, PA, and take hunting trips to Newfoundland, Texas, Wyoming, and Colorado.

He was an ardent supporter of Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools having served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was a perennial figure at football and basketball games, always encouraging the young men and women to use their God-given talents to the best of their abilities.

Jim had an unparalleled ability to positively impact the lives of others on a personal and professional level. He was a good husband and father, loved God and his country, epitomized the best of his profession, and was a steadfast friend.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Karen Zolnier (Pat), Westerville, OH; two sons, Jimmy Cardamon, Hermitage, and Michael Cardamone, Cleveland, OH; six grandchildren, Rachel and Natalie Zolnier, Nicholas and Sarah Cardamon, and Anthony and Giuliana Cardamone; a sister, Eileen Vernille; and a brother, Bill Cardamon.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Vince Cardamon.

Above all, Jim loved his family with his whole heart.  He was immensely proud of his children and was an active father while they were growing up and as they became parents themselves.  His most cherished role in life was that of "Papa" and the time spent with his grandchildren.  He was grateful to his son, Jimmy, grandchildren, Nicholas and Sarah, family friend, Kathy Dinnin, and nursing student, Alaina Williams, for the excellent care they provided the last several months in Jim's home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Jim's name to Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools, 2120 Shenango Valley Fwy, Hermitage, 16148; or the Society of the Honor Guard - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, payable to SHGTUS Scholarship Fund, C/O Laurence Seaton - Treasurer, 10 Seton CT, Rancho Mirage, CA  92270-3714.

Calling hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday (8-29-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Friday (8-30-24) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, with Rev. Jeff Noble and John Miller, concelebrating.

Entombment: St. Rose Mausoleum, Hermitage.

Military honors will be rendered at the cemetery.