Obituary

Brian K. James of Beaver, PA, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, listening to the music he loved. He was born February 29, 1960 in Easton PA, to Ruth Jean (Coyle) James and Howard James.

Husband, father, musician, artist, athlete. Brian was the kind of guy you meet and 12 minutes later, he’ll make you feel like an old friend. The Phillies, The Cowboys, Talking Heads, and Springsteen – his passion for his favorites was endless and enthusiastic. Oh, and he was hilarious. Completely hilarious and could have you laughing like crazy, often at his own expense.

A graduate of Phillipsburg Catholic High School and Moravian University (class of 1983), Brian knew the secret of making friends; and keeping friends. The best guys; the funniest friends with the craziest stories….the kind you can have only with lifelong friends. He was the first person to support you in every way; to respond to your ideas with a smile and an enthusiastic exclamation like “That’s tremendous!”

Family meant everything to Brian and although his illness posed many significant challenges,  his resolve was formidable, and he made it his goal to be at as many family events as possible, especially over the past few years. His beautiful daughters, Alina and Sabrina, were the jewels of his life, and he supported their many activities and took so much pride in their accomplishments. His wife Susan was his strongest, most loving advocate, and they built a life together for some 35 years. Even as they faced Brian’s health challenges together, they shared a partnership filled with love.

He is survived by his wife, Susan (Webb) James; daughters, Alina and Sabrina James; brothers, “Mike” (Patricia), Patrick (Renee), Thomas (Amy) and Greg (Debbie); sister, Barbara Emery; mother and father-in-law, Ruthann (Jack)  Webb; sisters and brothers-in-law, Wendy (Joe) Hammel, Cathy (Kurt) Lane; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Jack Emery.

“Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Friends will be received on Monday, January 19th from 3PM until the time of services at 7PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Brian’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, support.kidney.org.