James Arthur Fenske
April 20, 1932 ~ July 27, 2020
James Arthur Fenske, 87, of Weirton, WV, died Monday, July 27, 2020, with his family after a long battle with dementia.
“Jim,” as he was commonly known, was born to Letti and Herman Fenske on April 20, 1932, in Waynesburg, PA. Jim graduated from Weir High School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter.
Jim served on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Shangri-La during the Korean War as part of the aircraft carrier’s catapult and recovery team and as a member of the carrier’s fire-fighting response crash crew. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy, Jim began a career at the Weirton Steel Corporation within the Tin Mill’s Production Planning Department that spanned 37 years.
Jim and his wife, Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Fenske, were avid readers, tennis players, and travelers. Jim especially enjoyed visiting our National Parks and was an avid angler, hiker, and explorer. Jim jogged up until his early 80’s and participated in many 5K races, including the Gasparilla, Ogden Newspaper, Northern Lights, Campbell-Dickinson, Harvest Moon, and St. Patrick’s marathons.
Jim was a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Elks Lodge Number 1801, Rotary Club of Weirton, the Masonic Temple Lodge Number 2, and the Lutheran Church.
Proceeded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Fenske and older brother Jack Fenske, Jim is survived by sons, Jeffrey Fenske of Tampa, FL, and Jamie Fenske of Weirton, and granddaughters Kady, Kristin, Josie, and Morgan Fenske.
Already missed by family and friends, Jim rests in a better place now and is never far from our thoughts and prayers.
A private service was held at the family’s request.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org.
Professional services were provided to the family by Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV 26062.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304-748-3219
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of James Arthur Fenske, give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Navy Reserve Veteran, James Arthur Fenske, is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Dear Family, I have such fond memories of Jim and am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I first met Jim about twenty years ago through my father, Dr. Ray Greco. I remember him at my parents’ “turn of the century” party where he impressed us all by being the only man who could still get into his military uniform!.My father and he enjoyed countless happy days on the tennis court and years together as Rotarians. I , too, played tennis with them, sat with them at the Rotary meetings (where they joked about not being able to hear the presenters), ate at Eat & Park with them and their buddies, too. Besides that, Jim and I shared an enthusiasm for walking and biking. So, when in town, I would contact him to get together. I understand he had a tremendous voice and, if I’m not mistaken, he was in the WSX Male Choir and at one point in his life won a singing contest over Dean Martin. Believe me, it was not Jim who talked about this. It was my father.Jim was such a gentleman, kind, friendly, humble. I have really missed his friendship the last couple years but feel blessed to have known him. May he rest in peace. Diane Greco Fornari
Thank you Diane for the kind words. My dad always held you in high regard. Your friendship meant so much to him. Sincerely, Jamie
Dear Jamie and Jeffrey, I am so sad to hear of your dear dad’s passing. Greg and I visited him at Serra Manor and brought him some eastern panhandle peaches last summer. The glimmer in his eyes and warm welcome indicated that if he didn’t remember us, he certainly did not lose his friendly and loving spirit. We remember fondly the many times we shared with Jim and Betty, the classy, upbeat couple that we loved dearly. Jim often told us about his fishing and hiking adventures he enjoyed with you. Though he was one of our most sophisticated friends, who savored Kiawah Island vacations and fine dining, he also enjoyed a bowl of corn bread and beans like a typical WV boy! May your memories be a blessing. Please know that though our paths have ventured in different directions, we will always be thankful for the friendship we have shared with your family. Much love from my mom, Frances Asfour, and the Stump family.
Thank you for the kind words Fay. It is so good to hear from you. He valued your and Greg’s friendship so much. Dad thought so highly of you and family. Take care and God bless, Jamie
Dear Jeff,Jamie and family, I just read about your dad and was relieved and saddened to know of his passing. When I would go there to clean he always had a smile on his face and waited for me to get started so he could make his coffee run to Connie’s house. One time when I arrived he asked me what a curmudgeon was. So when I asked Siri and told him it was “a bad tempered person, especially an old one” he just said “well I guess I am”. 😂 That thought always made me laugh! Anyway, you’re dad was always a perfect gentleman and treated me with respect, not like hired help. My prayers go out to all of you. Sincerely, Cathy Arango
Thank you for the kind words Cathy. My dad thought the world of you. I appreciate all you did for him. Sincerely, Jamie.