James D. Penrose, age 82, of Bolivar, died on July 14, 2025, in the home he built more than a half-century ago. He was a loving husband and father, kind and generous friend and the happiest, hardest-working person anyone ever knew. He is deeply missed by family and friends.

Jim was born on November 23, 1942, in Robinson, Pennsylvania. His parents were John Frederick and Leanna Penrose.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Penrose. The two were married for more than fifty years.

Jim served the same communities in which he grew up for nearly 70 years as a general contractor, carpenter, mason, electrician and plumber. Jim and his brother, Don, assumed the ownership reigns of the family business from their father, Fred Penrose, in the early 80s and amazingly, he continued to work full-time at his craft and passion until his death.

His most recent project, in process at the time of his death, was renovating a cabin for a family near his own home. Jim was as excited and proud recounting this family's enjoyment of the home improvement transformation as he had been with every small and large project he completed over nearly seven decades. He died doing what he loved and no one who knew him will be surprised that he was swinging a hammer until his last day on earth.

Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Naval Construction Force (NCF) Seabees and served our country in the Vietnam War. The motto of the Seabees is "We Build, We Fight."

Jim personified the roles of neighbor and friend, coming to the aid and service of anyone who asked, and also acted tirelessly to meet the unspoken needs of others.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and hiker. He especially enjoyed spending any hunting season in the woods with his brother and son.

Jim embodied wisdom, impacting everyone he touched. He took immense pride in the imprint of his work on the physical beauty of people's homes and the practical efficiencies of the pipes and wires. He viewed his work and passion as more than bricks, mortar and pipes. His calling was helping others, creating spaces they loved and enjoyed with their families. He once said, "I'm a simple guy, but I can look across this entire valley and see my work. I remember every detail of the projects and the families. I've made things more beautiful and built things people really enjoy and appreciate."

Indeed, the world was left a more beautiful place due to Jim's craftsmanship and seemingly endless skills, but more so by his big heart, quick smile, kind hand and gentle manner.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill Penrose-Smith and Michael Smith and grandsons Mitchell and Spencer Smith and his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Kerri Penrose and grandsons Tyler and Braeden Penrose.

Jim was one of four siblings. He is also survived by his brother Don Penrose and niece Debbie Dunlap and sister Sharon and Randy Bartlebaugh and nephew John Bartlebaugh and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carole Ludwig.

The family will host calling hours from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 7:30 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Kenneth Stuart Funeral Home, 139 Ligonier Street, New Florence, PA. A service honoring Jim's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the New Florence United Methodist Church, 196 9 ^th Street, New Florence, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mission 22, a national organization serving veterans and their families at no cost to them: https://mission22.org/ or 694 N Larch St #910, Sisters, OR 97759.