James Joseph Paiano, 86, a resident of Plymouth, passed away Wednesday evening in the Catherine Kasper Life Center, Donaldson.

Jim was born on May 9, 1928, in Philadelphia, to Rocco and Philomena (Giancristoforo) Paiano. There he attended schools and met his future bride, Josephine A. ‘Jo’ Zmuda, whom he would marry on July 31, 1948.

Jim was a former resident of New Castle, Pa., and moved with his family to Plymouth 42 years ago. In 1952 he joined the U.S. Army in the 2nd Armored Division until his honorable discharge in 1954. He then attended the Cleveland School of Management and International Correspondent College in studies in Industrial Management. In his early years he liked playing golf and bowling.

Jim was employed at Johnson Bronze Co. for five years and then enjoyed working with Rockwell International first in New Castle, then transferring with the company in 1972 to its plant in Knox. He retired as plant manager in 1973 and began to enjoy travel with trips to Arizona and a European tour. Winters were spent in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was a loyal member of St. Camillus and St. Vitus Catholic Church in New Castle and St. Michael in Plymouth. Jim also held membership in Plymouth Moose Lodge #741, American Legion Post 27 in Plymouth, Fraternal Order of Eagles #455 in New Castle and the 2nd Armored Division Association.

He is survived by his wife; a son: James, Plymouth; daughter: Terry L. (Hassan) High, Atlanta, Ga.; two grandparents: Hassan R. High and Nur S. High, Atlanta; two brothers: Donald Paiano, New Castle; Raymond, Philadelphia; two sister-in-laws: Gloria Paiano, New Castle; and Diane Paiano, Glendale, Ariz.; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Maria Paiano; and four brothers: Philip, Robert, Rocco Jr. and Joseph Paiano.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home, 3000 Wilmington Road, New Castle, Pa. A mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, in St. Vitus Catholic Church, 910 S. Mercer St., New Castle. Entombment will be in the Castle View Memorial Gardens, New Castle.

Memorial gifts may be given to a local Cancer or Alzheimer’s Association.