Jim Paraska

James Carl “Jim” Paraska, 69, of Butler passed away at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday at his home.

He was born on Dec. 2, 1944, in Butler, to the late Michael Carl Paraska and Helen Olga (Krenytsky) Paraska.

Mr. Paraska was a graduate of Butler High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business at Youngstown State University.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Alaska during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Paraska worked as a self-employed contractor who built many homes and businesses in the Butler area. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was instrumental in starting the Seeds of Hope Ministry. He loved his family, especially his grandkids, and enjoyed baseball.

Mr. Paraska is survived by his wife, Diane (Hogan) Paraska, who he married on March 4, 1972; his two sons, Michael (Vafa) Paraska and Samuel Paraska; his two daughters, Sarah Vorel and Kathleen (Chad) Cousins; his six grandchildren, Caleb and Lochlan Vorel, Azra and Isaac Paraska, and Reed and Ryan Cousins; his brother, David (Patty) Paraska; his sister, Judy Mortimer; his sister-in-law, Lisa (Jim) Scuillo; his brother-in-law, Dennis (Val) Hogan; his five nieces and his nine nephews, all of Butler.

Paraska— The friends of James Carl “Jim” Paraska, who passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St., Butler, with the Rev. Tom Holman and the Rev. Dr. Eric Parks officiating.Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, Seeds of Hope Ministry, 200 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.