James Sagenich, a devoted husband, father, educator, and lifelong servant of God, passed away on August 22, 2025, in Wesley Chapel, Florida. He was 83 years old.

Born on August 10, 1944, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Jim grew up in West Middlesex and graduated from West Middlesex High School. A gifted athlete, his excellence on the basketball court earned him a scholarship and later induction into his high school's Hall of Fame—an honor that reflected both his talent and dedication to the sport.

Jim earned degrees from Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, and Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. His academic journey led him to a fulfilling career as a high school government teacher. In the classroom, he inspired countless students with his passion for civic engagement and education.

Beyond teaching, Jim's life was deeply intertwined with sports. He played baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, and pickleball with enthusiasm and skill. His love for athletics extended into coaching and officiating—he coached baseball and Little League teams and refereed basketball games. For an extraordinary 45 years, he served as a volleyball referee at both the college and high school levels.

Jim's faith was the cornerstone of his life. A devoted Christian who loved God deeply, he lived out his beliefs through action—teaching Sunday school classes, mentoring young men in their spiritual journeys, bringing people to church services, mowing church lawns without fanfare, and participating in mission trips to Mexico and India. Whether at home or abroad, Jim embodied the spirit of service with humility and grace.

He also had an adventurous spirit that took him far beyond his Pennsylvania roots. Jim traveled extensively throughout his life—visiting 49 of the 50 U.S. states and exploring 15 other countries around the world. Yet no matter how far he roamed or how many lives he touched along the way, his heart always remained with those closest to him.

Jim's greatest joy came from the family he cherished above all else. He is survived by his beloved wife Marcia Sagenich; sons Brett Sagenich (and wife Dina) and Corey Sagenich (and wife Jessica); grandchildren Makayla Wasko and Jacob Sagenich; sisters Shirl Hammerschmidt (and husband Bob) and Gail Sheppard (and husband Harold); nieces and nephews Adrienne Kalp, Damon McIntire, Nikki Harless, Tyler Sheppard—and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Ann Sagenich.

Jim's legacy is one of unwavering faith, tireless service to others, deep love for family, and a lifelong devotion to teaching—in every sense of the word. His presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.