James E. Starkey, Sharon passed away unexpectedly Saturday (3-19-11) at 9:45 p.m. in the Intensive Care Unit of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 53.

Jim was born in Sharon on February 15, 1958 the son of Elmer J. Sr. and Bernice Vancour Starkey.

A lifelong city resident, he attended Sharpsville Schools.

He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed both hunting and fishing. He was also a fan of car racing and at one time helped local driver Bobby Vranich prepare his car for local races. He was a fan of both the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.

His wife the former Mary S. Coxson whom he married on September 4, 2008, survives at home. He also leaves his two step daughters, Tammy L. Williams, and Missy M. Coxson, both of Farrell; his six sisters, Clara E. Dorogy and her husband Joseph, Kentucky; Rose M. Starkey, Sharon; Cynthia A. Iliff and her husband Richard, and Mary J. Mitrovich and her husband Bruce L., all of Masury; Betty L. Bender and her husband Charlie Jr. Hermitage; and Laura L. Starkey, Sharon; two brothers, Elmer J. Starkey Jr. Greenville, and John D. Starkey, Youngstown, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Calling hours: 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday (3-23-11) in the North Sharon Fire Hall, Thornton St. Sharon.

Condolences may be sent to his family by visiting the web site www. McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Services: A Celebration of life and a time of remembrance will be observed for his family and friends on Wednesday (3-23-11) at 6:00 p.m. beginning with full military honors rendered by the West Middlesex VFW Post 6233 and the Wheatland American Legion Post 432 Honor Guard in the North Sharon Fire Hall, Thornton St. Sharon.

Arrangements are being handled by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.

Cremation: In the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.