James "Jim" Sallmen, 86, of New Castle passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, September 12, 2018, in UPMC Jameson Hospital, following an extended illness.

Mr. Sallmen was born June 21, 1932, in New Castle, a son of the late Paul and Ruth (Strong) Sallmen.

From a young age, Jim worked hard to support his family, often working two jobs. He worked for Junedale Meats, Sharon Steel, and Lockley's Machine Shop before being hired at Rockwell Axel in 1969. Jim retired in 1991 from Rockwell, where he worked as a fork lift operator for 22 years.

His passion in life was bingo and owning Sallmen's Social Center, New Castle, and working the bingo hall for the past 34 years. Known by many as "Bingo Jim," and his phrase, "there goes another good hotdog," he loved traveling the country playing bingo with his wife, frequently to Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix.

Jim was a former member of St. Mary Church – Mary Mother of Hope Parish, New Castle.

He was also a member of the D.S.V. Club and Challenges – Options in Aging, both New Castle.

His beloved wife, the former Mary Lou Hobbs, whom he married July 8, 1950, preceded him in death May, 16, 2009.

Surviving are: a daughter, Mary Lou (Herman) Diaz with whom he made his home, of New Castle; a son, James R. (Kimberly) Sallmen, of Phoenix, AZ; three sisters, Jane Barton and Thelma Stroker, both of Tucson, AZ; and Carol Jo Gibson, of New Castle; two brothers, Jack (Shirley) Sallmen and Dan Sallmen, both of New Castle; two grandchildren, Travis Sallmen and Steven Diaz; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Mae Haza, Martha Haza and Ruth Campbell; and three brothers, Bill, Paul Jr., and Fred Sallmen, and his precious dog, "Fluffy," who passed away in January of 2015.

In honoring Jim's wishes, a celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday (9-19-18) in Sallmen's Social Center, 110 E. Division St., New Castle, officiated by Rev. Richard Nero. Following the service, friends and family are encouraged to continue the celebration from 5 to 8 p.m., in the club, to enjoy food and share in the many good stories and memories we all have of Jim.

Interment: St. Mary Cemetery, New Castle.