Nov 27, 2004 2 min read

The Rev. James R. Tweardy, 53, of Uniontown, Pa., died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004, following a two-year battle with leukemia. He was born Dec. 10, 1950, in Charleroi, Pa., to John and Helen Tweardy of Monessen, Pa., now both deceased.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, his wife of nearly 33 years; his children, Lisa of Uniontown, Jim (and wife Michelle) of Milroy Pa., and Kristin of Denver, Colo. Also surviving are brothers, John Tweardy of Bethel Park, Bill Tweardy of Lexington, Ky., Tom Tweardy of Friedens, Pa., and Dave Tweardy of Houston, Texas; plus sisters, Susan Rhodes of Lake Placid, Fla., and Lynne Baldino of Miami Lakes, Fla.

Jim was a 1968 graduate of Monessen High School, earned a B.S. degree from the University of Pittsburgh, in 1972, and was awarded a Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts, in 1977.

Following seminary, Jim served at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sharon, Pa. During his 12 years there, he worked with college youth at the local Penn State campus, in conjunction with the Coalition for Christian Outreach. He later served as Assistant Pastor, and finally as Interim Senior Pastor.

Jim was ordained as the pastor of Third Presbyterian Church in Uniontown, on April 1, 1989, where he felt blessed to serve until his death.

Beyond his specific church duties, Jim was a past Moderator of Redstone Presbytery and a good friend to his colleagues in ministry. He also served in various capacities on the Directors Board of the Uniontown Salvation Army.

Jim was an avid sports fan and outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, especially with close friends. He was devoted to all three of his children, and leaves them a legacy of love and strong Christian faith.

Friends will be received at the H. DAVID McELROY FUNERAL HOME, 803 Main St., McClellandtown, today and Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., both days. The funeral service will be held at Third Presbyterian Church on Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Robert Long of Pittsburgh, will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, 2 Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Third Presbyterian Church, 425 Union Street, Uniontown, and the Herald-Standard’s Give-A-Christmas campaign.