James H. Sipe

James (Jim) H. Sipe, 57, of Utica, passed away at 7:21 p.m. on May 4, 2016 at the Meadville Medical Center. Born June 24, 1958 in Franklin, Jim was the son of the late James F. and Marilyn J. Stuck Sipe. Jim retired in 2013, after 34 years as a union laborer with the Laborers International Union of North America, Local 323. Jim was a member of the Franklin Eagles Club, Aerie 328. In his spare time, he loved hunting and fishing; and was well-known for always welcoming his friends to stay at his hunting camp in the Tionesta area. He loved NASCAR and enjoyed many trips to the Daytona 500 to cheer on Dale Earnhart and subsequently Dale Earnhart, Jr. "Dale yeah!"Jim is survived by his wife and best friend, Amy L. McMurray. He is also survived by his son, David Collins of Franklin; his sister, Penny Cornell, and her husband, Chip, of Franklin; his aunts, Elizabeth Keefer and Carolyn Sipe, both of Franklin; his niece, Jennifer Cornell-Anthony, and her husband, Eric, of Franklin; and his great-niece and great-nephew. He is additionally survived by his faithful beagle and hunting partner, "Ben."Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his brother, David Allen Sipe; and several aunts.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60698.Family and friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street in Franklin, on Saturday, May 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Satruday, May 7th at 1:00 p.m., with Associate Pastor Sam Wagner, of the Christ United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be held at Old Sandy Cemetery.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.