James L “Jim” Pautz passed away at UPMC Williamsport Gatehouse on January 26, 2026, after a short illness. Born in Gillett, PA to Harold and Pauline Kent Pautz on December 22, 1936. He was the eldest of six children.
He began his education in a one room schoolhouse on Doty Hill, graduated from Troy High School in June 1954, and continued his education all his life.
On June 13, 1959, he married Marie Guinan who predeceased him in May 2024.
Together they had six children, Ellen (Tom) Pryzbylkowski, Carol (Kevin) Gemmell, Douglas (Nancy), Leigh Ann (Dave) Naghski, and he was predeceased by two sons, Gary and Donald. He is predeceased by brother Harold Jr, and sisters Nancy and Phyllis and survived by 2 brothers Ralph and Paul Pautz. There are 7 grandchildren, Erin, Derek, Emily, James, Olivia, Ryan and Madison and many great grandchildren.
Jim retired from Tri-County Rural Electric starting on the brush crew and retiring as a Journeyman lineman. He was a life long man of the earth starting by plowing a field with a horse drawn plow at 7 years old, buying his own farm in Gillett in 1956 and finishing with raised beds and a huge garden in Westfield, PA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, and traveling. He was very proud that the gun he earned at 7 was the first gun used by himself, Douglas and Derek, his oldest grandson to harvest their first deer. He piloted the family Winnebago on many vacation trips to Canada, Florida, and everywhere in between.
He was a Boy Scout leader for many years and took many rafting trips down Pine Creek. He took his scouts on several hikes including part of the Appalachian Trail and summer camps at Camp Gorton. He volunteered many hours to St. Catherine’s church, calling Bingo for fundraising and working on the church and lawns.
His was a life well lived with many stories, friends and family joys.
Burial will be at Ackley Cemetery on a sunny summer day with no services per his request and at the convenience of the family. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. 637 S. Main St. Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com .
