Obituary of James Marvin Spadaccio

James Marvin "Jim" Spadaccio, 67, of Pennsylvania Furnace, died Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at home, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born July 19, 1950, in Meadville, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Margaret J. Headrick Spadaccio. On September 4, 1971, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Vicki L. Bish, who survives. In addition to his wife of 46 years, he is survived by one son, Anthony D. Spadaccio and his wife, Lauren, of Camp Hill and two beautiful grandchildren, Brynn Marie and Nicolas James; two sisters in-law, Trudi Holsopple and her husband, Rick, of PA Furnace and Iris Yempuku and her husband, Earl, of Hilo, HI; one brother in-law, Mark Bixby and his wife, Lita, of Wellsboro; nine nieces and nephews; fourteen great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph M. Spadaccio, sisters, Patricia Bixby and Janet Napier and a nephew, Eric Bixby. He was 1970 graduate of State College Area High School. Jim worked as an Assistant Produce Manager for Weis Markets for 16 years. He also worked for NAPA/Genuine Parts Company, retiring after 30 years of service as a Salesman, "NAPA JIM." He was a Penn State Extension Master Gardner. Jim enjoyed gardening with his fellow Master Gardeners at the Penn State Ag Progress pollinator and trial gardens and he used his creativity to build structures from recycled materials for educational purposes. Jim enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, camping, gardening, woodworking, hunting, riding his motorcycle through the mountains, golf and ocean fishing. He was the optimist, always smiling, a generous soul and was always willing to help others in need. Visitation will be from 1 until 3 p.m., on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., at the funeral home with Celebrant Jackie Hook officiating. Family and friends are invited from 4 to 6 p.m. to a Celebration of Life Reception at Mountain View Country Club, 310 Elks Club Road, Boalsburg, PA 16827. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established in Jim's memory for a memorial bench and plaque at Ag Progress Days at Penn State, a place close to his heart. Donations in his name can be mailed to Penn State University, 240 Ag Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.