James Sharnek

AUSTINTOWN - Prayers will begin Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for James H. "Jim" Sharnek, 84, who died Monday evening at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center surrounded by his family.

Jim was born May 10, 1933, in Laona, Wis., the son of Frank and Agnes Sharnek.

He was a graduate of Laona High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduation. He is a Korean War veteran.

Jim worked as a flight line technician for the 910th Airlift Tactical Unit and retired as a Master Sergeant in 1993 from the Air Force Reserves.

Jim was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing basketball. He was a member of several golf and bowling leagues in the area, including the Mahoning Country Club Senior Golf League, St. Brendan Bowling League, and several others. He was the recipient of several awards from the American Bowling Congress. He was part of the founding group of the Austintown Girls Softball League and coached for several years. He was also a member of the 910/757 Veterans Association.

Jim is survived by his wife, the former Beverly Klauson, whom he married April 27, 1957; two daughters, Diane Sharnek (Beth Schrock) of Girard and Lynne Sharnek of Lakewood; brother Leonard (Pat) Sharnek of Laona; and two sisters-in-law, Janice Sharnek of Wisconsin and Kathie Perry of McDonald; and many nieces and nephews,

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Frank, George, Ray, Ed, Donald, William, and Bob; and two sisters, Tilly Sharnek and Angie Sharnek.

Family and friends may offer their condolences Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the American Heart Association.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.