James ”Jim” Paul Chiodini, 84 of Clymer, PA., passed away on October 15, 2026 with his loving family by his side.
Born in Indiana, PA to Ann (Zanot) and Sylvio Chiodini, Jim was a lifelong resident of Clymer, PA and a member of the last graduating class of Clymer High School.
Following his graduation, Jim enlisted in the US Army in 1960 and served 3 years.
Upon his return, Jim joined his mother and father in running the Ben Franklin store, located in Clymer on Main Street and continued to operate the business until its closure in 1989.
Also upon his return to Clymer, Jim began his career with the US Postal Service, beginning as a part-time postal carrier and clerk. Jim rapidly advanced within the Postal Service, serving as a postmaster for several locations in the region, including Clymer, Indiana, and State College and eventually retiring as a Postal Operations Manager.
Jim was an avid golfer who enjoyed walking the course with his friends. Jim was proud of his Italian heritage, which was reflected in his love of cooking and wines. As an award winning Vintner, Jim often named wines after his children and grandchildren. Jim was outgoing and made friends everywhere he went. Jim also enjoyed fishing with his son Tim and grandson Bryce. For many years he could be found fishing with them on the first day of trout season.
Jim was a member of the VFW in Indiana and an active member of the Clymer Slovak club. Jim and his family were regular attendees at club functions for many years, where he and his wife passed on their love of polka dancing to their children.
Jim was a fan of Pittsburgh’s professional sports teams, and regularly attended games in Pittsburgh. Jim was an ardent supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins and often spoke about seeing the Pirates play at Forbes Field when he was a young man. Jim and his wife regularly watched games together.
Jim was affectionately known as “Pappy Jim” by his family.
Jim was preceded in eternal rest by his sons, Christopher Chiodini and Timothy Chiodini as well as his sister Carol Blackstone.
Pappy Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Jo and his Daughter Gina Baker husband Ken; his Grandchildren Christina Gromley husband Jeff; Michael Young, Bryce Chiodini, Kelsey Baker, Cecilia Chiodini, Christopher Baker, and his Great Grandchildren, Ainsley Gromley, Ella Gromley and Lainey Chiodini.
Jim passed peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the McCabe~Roof Funeral Home, 565 Franklin St., Clymer, PA. Jim’s funeral service will follow at noon at the funeral home. Interment will be made in the St. Bernard Cemetery, Indiana.
Online condolences may be made at www.mccaberooffh.com.
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