James F. "Jim the Barber" Struna passed away Monday, September 14th,

surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of hard

work, faith, craftsmanship, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born to the late Frank and Blanche Struna, Jim lived a life defined by

dedication and service. He became a licensed barber in 1962 and

continued working behind the chair for an extraordinary 64 years. In

2006, Jim was thrilled to open his own shop, Jim’s Haircutting Shop in

Millvale. Being his own boss brought him great pride and satisfaction.

Even more than the business, Jim treasured the friendships he built

with his customers. He enjoyed the conversations, the stories, and the

relationships that lasted decades. There were many valued friends

whose patronage spanned two and even three generations. Wherever he

went, he inevitably ran into someone who knew him, whether as a

customer, a friend, or both. Many folks knew him simply as "Jim the

Barber." He was always especially tickled when customers brought him

little things. (He loved those homemade cookies!) He felt very blessed

and often expressed during his cancer journey, “God has been so good to

me. I’ve had such a great life.”

Jim was married to the love of his life, Eileen V. Struna, for 62

years, having married in 1964. Mom was his partner in crime, and they

had many crazy adventures together. They met when Jim would drive

past Eileen on Stanton Avenue in Lawrenceville, as she waited for the

bus. He would honk and wave hopefully, till one day it was raining and

she finally accepted a ride. Together they had four children and

enjoyed a life filled with adventures, gardening and DIY remodeling

projects at home and at “the Farm” in Fryburg, PA.

Although barbering was his profession, Jim's talents extended far

beyond the barbershop. He was a gifted handyman who could seemingly

fix or build anything. He enjoyed working with tools, remodeling

houses, restoring his antique 48 Ford Convertible, and tackling

projects that others thought impossible. A great example of the later

was building himself a two-story barn with a car lift inside and

adding on an addition that almost doubled the size of his Fryburg

camp. His family knew they could always count on Dad. He was a steady

presence, ready to offer help, advice, or simply his time whenever it

was needed. His four adult children knew that if they called Dad, they

would get a solid answer to anything from mower repair to plumbing

questions. Regarding plumbing, Dad always said Mr. Murphy (Murphy’s

law) was sure to join in the repair party!

His practical skills were matched by an adventurous spirit. Over the

years, he immersed his family in whitewater kayaking, riding horses and

motorcycles, cement parties, land clearing and more. Jim embraced

life's experiences with enthusiasm and confidence.

Jim's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted Catholic

who never missed Sunday Mass, even through his cancer journey, and he

looked forward to enjoying a big family breakfast at The County Seat

afterward. His faith guided his actions and his relationships, serving

as an example to his family and all who knew him.

Those who loved Jim will also remember the awesome handwritten notes

and letters he occasionally sent, complete with his own creative

spelling and unmistakable personality. These treasured keepsakes

reflected the genuine warmth, humor, and authenticity that made him so

special.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Blanche Struna;

his brother, William Struna.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen V. Struna; his brother,

Raymond Struna and his brother-in-law, Joe Hersick ; his children,

James F. Struna Jr. (Jennifer Agalo), Eileen R. Struna (Celsa Bowman),

Juli Faulkner, and Tim Struna (Michelle); his grandchildren, Devin

(Alix), Jimmy (Britany), Katie, Sophie, Frederic, Josie, Colman,

Silvia, Sawyer, Alex, and Grace; plus four great-grandchildren, all of

whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Jim's legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the friends he

made, the customers he served, and the countless lives he touched over

more than six decades. He will be remembered as a devoted husband,

loving father and grandfather, faithful Catholic, skilled craftsman,

trusted friend, and the barber who always had time for a conversation.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends and Family are invited to the viewing on Sunday, September 20th from 12-5PM at the Hahn FH & Cremation Services, Inc., 123 North Avenue, Millvale. Friends and family are invited to attend Mass on Monday, September 21st, at 10:00 am at St. Bonaventure Church on Mt.Royal Blvd., followed by a brief graveside service at St. Mary's Church Cemetery, Sharpsburg.