James R Sankovich,86, passed away on January 9, 2025 at his home in West Deer Township following a prolonged battle with Parkinson's disease and related complications. He was born May 5, 1938 in Clinton Township  son of the late Joesph and Rose (Kolen) Sankovich. He served his country in the Army from 1961 to 1963. He worked as a Foreman for Bethlehem Steel for 29 years, was a proud union member of the UMWA local 6132 and later took care of the mine's water treatment plant for 15 years. After retirement, Jim loved welding and working in his garage fabricating metal, driving his adored tractor, fishing and spending time with his family.  He was a beloved husband of 59 years to Marsha (Shustic) Sankovich.  Jim leaves behind his loving daughter Linda Sankovich of West Deer, his sister Ann Malecki, his beloved dog Daisy, and many dear nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, James W Sankovich and siblings Roselle Malecki, Dorothy Sell, and Frank Sankovich.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team that took care of him for last years of his life: Dr. Timothy Lichleiter and Kaci from AHN Nuerology; The West Arm Therapy Team in Cheswick – Susan, Heather, Carly, and Rachel. The AHN Hospice team: Jamie, Jess, Laura, Faith and Amanda; and our dear neighbor Joan who brought him communion.  In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Western PA, pfwpa.org .  Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Christian Funeral Mass, 12 pm, Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Transfiguration Campus.  Jim will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township.  Funeral arrangements are in the trust and care of Adam Siemianowski Funeral Home, 179 Starr Road, Russellton, West Deer Township.   For online condolences, please visit, westdeerfuneralhome.com