James E Gorby Jr
James, aka Jim, Age 74 passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2026, in Susanville CA following an extended illness.
Born March 13th, 1952, to parents Anna Mae (Gilbert) Gorby and James E Gorby Sr in Cochranton Pa where he grew up on the family farm with his siblings David, Betty, Mary, Nancy and Larry. He married Ruth A (Meadors) Gorby, December 29th 1987, she survives.
A modest man with a quirky sense of humor Jim kept everyone on their toes with his antics, always bringing smiles and fun in every interaction with him. He loved farming, raising animals, growing lavish gardens, and in his downtime could usually be found fishing or at a racetrack where he enjoyed dirt track racing and sprint cars. He was very creative and made folk-art like treasures out of many surprising and unique items and enjoyed building model cars/trucks that he would add many of his own creative details to making them even more realistic. He loved to cook and have big gatherings and was always helping those in need. He would give his last dollar to make sure someone wasn’t going without. His talents were many, able to build or repair anything. Upon retiring from Channellock and relocating to Herlong California he remodeled a building being used as a chicken coop into a beautiful home with custom woodwork throughout. Recently he discovered that an old barn back in PA, that he built, was still standing and in great shape after almost 40 years, he grinned and said “Well I guess I didn’t do to bad then.”
Above all he loved his family and was the happiest when they could be together.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by a large family and numerous friends that are like family. He touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew him. His beloved children will miss him the most; his daughter Joetta (Ted) Flinn of Meadville PA, and his sons Jamison Gorby of Sacramento CA, and Ryan (Jenny) Gorby of Punxsutawney PA. Although many have called him Papa, his grandsons AJ (Brittiany), Kevin (Chelsea), and Shaun (Kayla) Catalano and their children Alexis, Harlie, Seth, Ashlynn, London, Logyn, Addyson, Brooklynn and Waylon Catalano all of Meadville Pa were his pride and joy. He is also survived by sisters Mary Mosher, Nancy Unger, a brother Larry (Robin) Gorby and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition, he had been a long-term resident at the Lassen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Susanville CA where he considered many of the other residents and staff as his family. There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to them for the way they cared for and loved on him during his final years.
Final arrangements are being entrusted to Fink Funeral Home of Susanville, CA
A celebration of life will be held, at a later date, in his home state of PA.