John Michael “J.M.” Gishbaugher, Sr.

John Michael “J.M.” Gishbaugher, Sr.

April 09, 1954 - January 11, 2023

John Michael “J.M.” Gishbaugher, Sr.

April 09, 1954 - January 11, 2023

Obituary

John Michael “J.M.” Gishbaugher Sr., 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Darlington, Pennsylvania, on January 11, 2023.

J.M. was born on April 9, 1954, in Beaver Falls, PA, to the late John “Jack” and JoAnne (Welsh) Gishbaugher. He graduated from Northwestern High School in May of 1972 and attended college at Georgia Southwestern and Kent State University, where he studied journalism. A lifelong writer, he began writing for his high school newspaper and later served as a city reporter at the News Tribune in Beaver Falls. In 1981, he co-founded and was editor of the Valley Tribune, also out of Beaver Falls, PA.

In 1985, J.M. and his brother, Greg, took over the family business, Jack’s Independent Service Station, Inc. He served as president of the company for the next 33 years until his retirement in 2018. He could often be found saving stranded drivers with his tow truck or chatting up customers in the garage. In his time as president, Jack’s became a cornerstone of the community, sponsoring demolition derby cars and hosting the annual Darlington Days, which he co-founded with his brother in 2000.

J.M. was a dedicated community leader. A member of the Lions Club for 32 years, he was actively involved in the Food Pantry, Polo games, Beacon Lodge, and various other community projects. He was also an avid wood worker and frequently worked on projects for neighbors. A lover of the weird and unexplained, he was heavily involved in the Pig Lady Haunted Barn Halloween attraction and later co-founded the Pig Lady Fall Folklore Festival. He was also an aficionado of fireworks and is well-remembered for orchestrating impressive shows with his children and grandchildren on the Fourth of July and encouraging only slightly-dangerous bottle rocket wars. His shenanigans extended to Halloween as well. If you were a victim of his or his offspring’s said shenanigans (soaping, sign re-arranging, corning, TPing, etcetera.), he is not sorry. Please pay it forward. When he wasn’t actively making the community better, tinkering in his workshop, or creating friendly mischief, he could be found sitting around the fire with family and friends on most fair-weather nights.

J.M. was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn (Campbell) Gishbaugher. He is survived by his children: John Michael (Karrie) Gishbaugher, Jr., Julie (Ron) Mora, Jamie Gishbaugher, Jaclyn (Nathan) Gish-Lieberman, and Jarrod Giambrone; his brother Greg (Mary Lou) Gishbaugher and sister Joy Gishbaugher; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his Aunt Bonnie (Bob) Melvin, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family welcome all to honor and celebrate the memory of J.M. on Monday, January 16, 2023, from 6 to 7 pm at the First United Presbyterian Church, 3385 Old Darlington Rd., Darlington, PA 16115. Reverend Robert Saul will be officiating. Donations can be made in care of the Little Beaver Lions Club, P.O. Box 303 Darlington, 16115.

Funeral Service

  • Date & Time: January 16, 2023 (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
  • Venue: First United Presbyterian Church
  • Location: 3385 Old Darlington Road Darlington, PA 16115 - (Get Directions)

Little Beaver Lions Club

  • Address: PO Box 303 Darlington, PA 16115

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9 responses to John Michael “J.M.” Gishbaugher, Sr.

  1. Lynne Hill says:

    John was definitely one of a kind! The best friend and neighbor anyone could ever ask for. He and Evelyn were not only our neighbors they were our family. We went through so much together. Floods, fires,kids,wrong trees being cut down and so much more. They were always there for anyone in good times and bad. Oh the fun times we had with them. They both will be very missed and not forgotten. May they both RIP. Fly high “Neighbor-Roonies!” fly high!

  2. Our condolences to the entire Gishbaugher family. Rest in peace John and may God’s love shine upon you.

  3. Our deepest sympathies to the Gishbaugher family. You will be missed JM. Rest in peace.

  4. Even though John Michael and I had not communicated for
    35+ years, I still and always refer to Him as my Best HS
    Friend.
    Ironically, I was in PA visiting my siblings and was going to
    stop to see John Michael on my way home from Scott’s
    when he got the call that JM had passed.
    How sad.
    My condolences to his extended family and everyone his
    presence touched

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