James M. Cebula 1952-2023

He was born Jan. 19, 1952, the son of the late Helen Varkonyi Cebula and Dan Cebula of Campbell.

Jim was a 1969 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School. He attended Findlay College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Jim pursued and received his MBA at Capital University in Columbus, while employed full time at Marion Power Shovel in Marion.

In 1989, Jim was hired by Kennametal Inc. where he managed corporate purchasing for 21 years, holding the position of global director of purchasing and travel from 2000 until 2010. In 2011, Jim was hired by ASKO as vice president of supply chain until his retirement in 2015.

Jim served on the board of Westmoreland-Fayette Council of Boy Scouts, serving as advisor and board president.

Jim was an avid golfer and an all-around sports enthusiast. Life was always good, whether it was time on the golf course, hiking, biking, fishing, throwing a football, watching his Steelers play, walking on the beach or catching a beautiful view from the mountains.

Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who always looked forward to his storytelling, his funny, witty demeanor and his full-of-life personality. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and great friend to all. He will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Ann Paulsen Cebula, whom he married Dec. 22, 1973: his two children, Nicole (Alexander) Bowling of Raleigh, North Carolina and Nathan (Valerie) Cebula of Stow; three grandchildren, Ansley and Everett Bowling, and Jeremiah Cebula; a sister, Patricia Cebula Gomori of Poland; a sister-in law, Donna Watts of Clearwater, Florida; a brother-in-law, Gary (Julie) Paulsen of Holland, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Varkonyi Cebula; his father, Dan Cebula; and his brother-in-law, Jeffery Gomori.

With heartfelt appreciation, Jim’s family would like to thank Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh, for their compassion, support and expertise as they gently guided Jim and his family through his final journey. We would also like to thank Home Instead, Raleigh, for assisting us so quickly and with much compassion. Their help allowed us to honor Jim’s wish of remaining at home.

At Jim’s request, there will be no calling hours.

There will be a funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, celebrated by Monsignor Clay. Burial will be in the columbarium on the church campus, immediately after the funeral.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613; or to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle @ www.foodshuttle.org/.

(special notice)