James L. Earley

Of Wilkins Twp., died Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at UPMC East Hospital, Monroeville, after medical complications.

Jim was born in Homestead, PA, on August 29, 1945, moving to Wilkins Township, PA, at the age of 3, where he resided until his death. He graduated from Churchill High School in 1964 with his brother, Thomas. 

Jim worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for 35 years, serving as both manager and assistant manager during that time. He retired from the largest liquor store in Pennsylvania at the time, which he loved to tell others. Before working at the Liquor Board, he dabbled in roofing, welding, and was drafted to the Navy. Unfortunately, Jim was medically discharged. 

A world traveler, Jim visited 5 of 7 continents, never wanting to make the flight to Australia or dealing with the cold of Antarctica. From Alaska to the Caribbean islands, Jim spent months at sea, sometimes embarking on two-month long cruises around the world. The North Atlantic cruises, however, never seemed to work in his favor, as he would often remind anyone he spoke with. Up until 2023, Jim took at least two trips a year, bringing home various t-shirts and knick-knacks for his nieces and nephews in his three large suitcases.

Jim is survived by his nephew and caretaker of 17 years, Thomas C. “Tom” Earley, Tom’s ex-wife Dianna Earley, and children Lily and Thomas Earley, who Jim referred to as his own grandchildren. Jim is also survived by sisters-in-law, Shirley Earley and Marie Earley, one other nephew, Michael Earley, four nieces, Debra Barone, Diane Bornscheurer, Christine Dover, and Carrie Schadel, as well as their respective families. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Roberta Strang Earley, and his two brothers, William R. Earley and Thomas B. Earley.

Friends received at Wolfe Memorial, LLC, Forest Hills Chapel, 3600 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh PA 15221, on Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00pm. At 5:00pm everyone will be invited to share stories and memories of Jim. Private burial in William Penn Cemetery, Churchill.

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