James Irvin

James Paul Irvin, 50, of Greensburg , passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, in Excela Health Hospice, Jeannette, after a courageous battle with liver disease. He was born Sept. 4, 1960, in Pittsburgh , the son of the late John and Helen Jane Irvin. Jim was a 1979 graduate of Greensburg Salem High School . For 21 years, he was employed by Liberty Transportation Co., starting in its furniture delivery department and moving up to management in its Richmond , Va. , office. He was well liked by colleagues, friends and family. He was known for his easygoing nature, loyalty to those he loved and his sense of humor. He loved sports and was an enthusiastic Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan. In 2005, he was diagnosed with end stage liver disease. He sought treatment for his substance abuse at Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Greensburg . There, he became committed to a sober and the 12 Steps of AA. He became an active member of his home group, the Third Presbyterian group, and eventually took on the responsibility of group treasurer. He was blessed with the many positive relationships he formed through AA. Due to his failing health, he was put on the organ transplant list. On July 12, 2006, he received a new liver at UPMC Montefiore hospital under the care of Dr. Michael De Vera. His health improved following the transplant and he continued to attend AA meetings and outpatient treatment at the Thomas E. Starzl Clinic. In July 2010, he was presented his coin for five years of sobriety. He will be dearly missed by those who loved him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle, Melvin Irvin, who over the years was a father figure to him; and by his brother-in-law, Marcus Peterson. He is survived by his brother, John Irvin (Colette), of Austin, Texas; and two sisters, Jayne Irvin Peterson, of Montrose, Colo., and Judy Irvin, of Forest Hills. Other family members surviving him include one aunt, Kathryn Irvin, of Sun City West, Ariz. ; two nieces, Kelly Mancuso (Michael) and Nikkia Hall; two nephews, Ryan Sarel (Valerie) and Daniel Irvin (K.C.); and a great-nephew, Joseph John Mancuso. Jim shared a special relationship with his seven cousins, Colleen Irvin, Karen Colbert, Dianne Irvin, Sue Kalen, Cris Bunting, Trish Harder and Maggie Baker. Celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, in the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Rehabilitation Center , Attn: Development Office, 311 Rouser Road , Moon Township , PA 15108 . Arrangements are entrusted to KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME INC., Greensburg .

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