James R. Frambes

James R. “JR” Frambes, 87, of McMurray PA joined a lifetime of beagles, golden retrievers, and mutts on the other side of the rainbow bridge on June 4, 2023, because really, where else would he go but with his beloved pups?  He lived a long, fulfilling life and as he neared the end, he often said “I really have only happy memories, I have no regrets.”

Jim was born March 15, 1936, in Bradford PA, the eldest son of Merle and Helen (Douthit) Frambes, during the 1936 flood; Merle had to row a boat to the hospital to meet his new son.  Jim spent much of his childhood helping on his grandparents’ farm and hunting and fishing.  These passions continued throughout his lifetime as he taught his sons and grandsons the gentle art of fly fishing, how to tie a fly, and how to track and measure the health of a trout stream. He enjoyed many happy times at his hunting camp near Benezette, PA, sharing these memories with good friends and family.  He was a dedicated hunter, fisherman; Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers fan; an avid reader, and a perpetual putterer.

After attending Indiana Technical College, Jim spent his career in the oil and gas industry, starting as a draftsman in Bradford, spending much of his career selling and designing gas well compressors for various companies in the western PA area, and later as owner of Northeast Compression Services in Canonsburg.  Jim drove about two million miles over the course of his career and knew every small town, public phone booth, and stream in Pennsylvania.  With a keen, analytical mind, he did complex compressor sizing calculations on a slide rule, which impressed his children (who never quite figured it out!).  He often challenged his children to calculate the tip at a restaurant in their heads, to not “yaffe” and spill his coffee while driving, and to understand the inner workings of a combustion engine.

Jim married Lois Stennett on September 20, 1958, in Bradford and during the early part of their marriage, they moved to Bethel Park and welcomed four children.  They settled in McMurray where they raised their children and eventually retired.  He felt very fortunate to have all his children and most of his grandchildren nearby and he was an active participant in their lives, attending their hockey and ball games, cheerleading competitions, and theater shows.  Jim’s favorite nickname for his sons and grandsons was “Newt” and he will always be fondly remembered as “Grandpa Newt.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bruce and Ed Frambes, and sister, Joan Frambes Pessia. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois; children Tim (Sue Zalagens) Frambes of Venetia PA, Todd (Lisa Keppel) Frambes of Oakdale PA, Ted (Kristen Wright) Frambes of Ben Avon PA, and Nancy (Ron Cole) Frambes of Meadville PA; grandchildren Kimberly (Matt) Fuchs, Brandon (Ashlee Swales) Frambes, Liz (Tom Zieger) Frambes, Zachary (Beth Pimental-Bowman) Cole, Justin and Tyler Frambes, and Kelsey Cole; and great grandchildren Jude and Dominic Fuchs, Milo and Leo Frambes, Riley Lois and Ryan Ann Frambes-Zieger; as well as his latest furry companion, Zippo.

Friends will be received on Friday, June 9^, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm, followed by a short memorial service at 7pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd, McMurray PA 15317. Inurnment will take place at a later date.  In memory of JR, enjoy a peanut butter cup or fresh donut, raise a Miller Lite or root for the Pirates to have a winning season.  If you are so inclined, please consider a donation to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc, Wounded Warriors, or Washington Area Humane Society in his honor.