KANE — James K. Pence, 88, of Highland Road passed away Thursday (July 24, 2025) at his residence.

Born Aug. 28, 1936, in East Franklin Township, he was a son of the late Claude and Lenora Barnett Pence. On July 1, 1957, in Winchester, Va., he married Neva Dashner, who preceded him in death after 65 years of marriage.

Jim retired as a foreman for National Fuel Gas in 1994. A cabinet maker/wood working artisan, he was the owner of J&N Cabinets. The first piece he created was a cedar chest made for his mother. We still have this piece in our family today. He built and installed countless kitchens cabinets, gun cabinets, bookshelves, vanities and curio cabinets to name a few. His work is loved by residents all across McKean, Elk and Warren counties. On a drive, he was notorious for pointing here and there telling you tales of the work he did and what he did for the family. They also built their home on Highland Road from the ground up in 1980. He was also a member of East Kane Methodist Church and the F & A M Kane Lodge 566 for more than 50 years.

He is survived by two sons, James A. (Lisa) Pence of James City and Alan (Sheryl) Pence of Clermont; three granddaughters, Marla (Robert) Diaz, Heather (Thomas) Adams and Emily (Steven) Mix; one grandson, Steven (Lynn) Morgan; and nine great-grandchildren, Vincent, Riley, Kennadi, Ellie, Peyton, Hailie, Mira, Ilah and Mavrik.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Vicky Pence Morgan; a brother, Joe Pence; and two sisters, Claudia Eckel and Martha Jean Dailey; in addition to his beloved pets, Suzie and Sophie.

Jim was a loving son, father and grandfather. He had the gift of gab and he loved chatting with everyone and anyone who would listen. Jim and Neva loved to travel with his sister Martha Jean and her husband Harvey. He was able to visit all 50 states and drove in all of them except Hawaii. Jim had a fondness for the state of Colorado and always talked about how much he loved Leadville. He had an impeccable sense of direction, mastering the reading of a road map, and could take you anywhere. All he needed was to go somewhere once and he knew the way forever. He was a lover of food, although he was super picky. We aren’t sure how Neva was able to cook for him for those 65 years. He was never one to turn down a good meal of spaghetti and meatballs and would immediately tell you if those meatballs had been frozen. He always said his daughter made the best spaghetti and meatballs around and lovingly always joked about her meatballs being burned. Jim also had a sweet tooth, enjoying countless cakes, cookies, bowls of ice cream and Klondike bars, but a good homemade pie was his favorite, especially cream pies. A bowl of fresh buttered popcorn was also his go-to snack. He enjoyed watching his many TV programs and he’s probably watched every Western ever made several times over. Jim also enjoyed a good book having spent a lot of time reading after Neva’s passing. He also enjoyed playing games on his iPad, his handheld poker games and crossword puzzles.

Friends are invited to attend a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday (July 29, 2025) at Cummings Funeral Home, where a funeral service will follow with the Rev. Calvin Cook officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to East Kane Methodist Church, P.O. Box 492, Kane, PA 16735.

Online condolences can be expressed at cummingsfh.com.