James T. Barninger

James T. Barninger, beloved and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 9, 2026 at the age of 72 following a brief illness.

Born on March 21, 1953, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Vernon and Maxine (née Massing) Barninger, James graduated from Academy High School in the Class of 1971. In his youth he played guitar in his rock cover band, “The Blue Fox,” and found joy in water skiing and riding dirt bikes. His adventurous spirit endured throughout his life, later expressed through motorcycle riding. He and his wife Marilyn spent many happy hours on his Victory motorcycle, riding around town and attending Bike Nights. In his later years, his greatest joy came from time spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

James built a respected career as the owner and operator of Barninger Builders, a construction company he ran for more than 40 years. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship, his true legacy lay in the many lifelong friendships he formed with clients. He was admired for his honesty, humor, strong work ethic, optimism, and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon (Barney) and Maxine Barninger, brother-in-law Stephen Chludzinski, and sister-in-law Daryl Barninger. James is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marilyn (Chludzinski) Barninger; their children, Ryan Barninger and his wife Jenn, and Julianna Barninger and her husband Steven; and grandchildren Charlotte and Gabriel. He leaves behind his brother Jeffrey Barninger, sister-in-law Diane (Michael) Biondi, brother-in-law Philip (Sharii) Chludzinski, nephews Eric (Lynn) and Brian (Mindy) Barninger, niece Kelly Barninger, nephews Steven (Hue) and Philip Chludzinski, nieces Amy (Kevin) Swartz and Chrissy Chludzinski, as well as his beloved cats, extended family, and many friends. He cherished his wife Marilyn deeply, and together they enjoyed live concerts, cooking, fireside evenings on their deck, gardening, and traveling out west to visit their daughter and son-in-law.