On, Sunday, September 29, 2024, James Donald Sykes, 83 of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, formerly of New Kensington, died at the Presbyterian SeniorCare after a battling a series of health challenges.

He was the husband of Jane Kathleen (Sowden) Sykes; father of Jamie (Judene) Sykes and Chase (Monica) Sykes; Grandfather of J.D., Alexis, Siddaly, Chloe, and Matthew Sykes, all of Oakmont. He was the brother-in-law of C. Kenneth (Jaci) Sowden of Waikoloa, Hawaii; Gary Tuck of Bowling Green, Kentucky and Amy (Ron) Burkert of Oakmont. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Elizabeth (Weaver) Sykes and his sister-in-law, Beth Tuck.

Jim was born in New Kensington, PA on March 19, 1941, and was a graduate New Kensington High School. He attended Geneva College and served in the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio and Da Nang, Vietnam. Jim and Jane were married on October 21, 1967, and moved to Cedar Falls Iowa where Jim continued his military service. They returned to Western PA in 1968, and Jim began a long-term career with Bell Telephone/Verizon. Jim and Jane established their home in Oakmont in 1970 and engaged in a number of church and community activities over several decades. Jim was a member of the Oakmont United Methodist Church. He was a loyal fan of local sports, specifically Pitt and Steelers football. He had a big interest in classic and performance cars from his 1967 Camaro convertible RS to his 1989 IROC- Z Camaro. He appreciated music, especially Maynard Ferguson and Stan Kenton, and had an ear for sound. Jim also enjoyed his "short ones" and beers shared with friends at his favorite hometown bar, Dukes. But his biggest passion was his family. He was a fervent supporter his kids and grandkids in all of their interests and was especially proud of their athletic and musical accomplishments. Many treasured family memories were made at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware during numerous vacations spent there. Jim could be found swimming, biking, and enjoying the entire beach experience with family and friends year after year.

Friends will be received on Saturday, October 5 from 10-11 AM at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC. on 421 Allegheny Avenue in Oakmont, PA. A Celebration of Life will be held at the funeral home at 11 AM. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.