Tributes

James Francis Iaconis passed away January 17 in Houston, TX. He was 76 years old. Jim was born and raised in Clarksburg and graduated from Washington Irving High School, where he earned All-State honors in football and track. He was a longtime resident of West Virginia, earned a Bachelor's degree from WVU, and was a member of the WVU football team. He traveled extensively throughout the state, often to attend high school football games. He also enjoyed visiting new places both as a tourist and while in military service. As a proud member of the U.S. Army, Maj. Iaconis was deployed in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central America, was a Viet Nam Veteran, and served in over 50 countries. An avid traveler and linguist, he could speak 3 languages and might greet you in over a dozen more. Jim worked at Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale, WV, for almost 20 years, and his wife Cathy also worked there during that time. He never met someone he couldn't find something in common with, and enjoyed finding that connection no matter how obscure it might be. Jim's family and close friends were well aware of his favorite songs and his singing voice and if one of Jim's jokes is believed then he will return in his next life as a professional singer. Most mornings, Jim could be found at McDonald's drinking coffee with the Moundsville klatch, at Bob's Lunch, or at Rigas Restaurant. He was an active member of the Sons of Italy and rarely missed working a Thursday night pasta dinner there. He seemed to know at least one person in every corner of the Upper Ohio Valley region. Jim enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching football, and learning more about historical events. He liked to cook, his diners never complained, and there was no recipe he couldn't improvise. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Priore) Iaconis of Clarksburg, WV; sisters Mary Frances Lindgren of Covina, CA, and Christine Pintabone of Waltham, MA; wife Catherine Pauline (Bodnar) of Weirton, WV; and their daughter Catherine Ann and son Matthew. Surviving Jim are (sister) Deanna Tomao of Corpus Christi, TX; (sister) Joan Beto of Pittsburgh, PA; (sister) Gloria and Marlin Moore of Dayton, TX; (brother) John Iaconis of Arlington, VA; (son) John and Pam Iaconis of Carnegie, PA; (daughter) Larisa and Omar Tidwell; (son) James Iaconis of Houston, TX; (granddaughter) Kelly Snoden of Kings Point, NY; and (grandsons) Alexander and Nathaniel Tidwell of Houston, TX. Jim and his humor will be sadly missed by family, friends, and the people he bumped into on the street. Family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-8pm and Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory, 400 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated Friday at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 610 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville.

Tributes

Iaconis, James

January 17, 2013