James R. Guest

James R Guest, age 71, of Canonsburg passed away Monday, March17, 2025, in the Veterans Administration Hospital, in Pittsburgh. He was born November 25, 1953, in Charleroi, a son of the late James W. and Juanita J. Waddell Guest. James was a graduate of Canon McMillan High School, class of 1971. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Saint Leo College in Florida. He proudly served with the United States Army for 30 years, when he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. Jim was in the Army but spent all his time on boats. He was awarded among many other citations, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He served in many countries around the world, was stationed in Hawaii for several years, and remained there for several more following retirement where he would scuba dive around the coral reefs and play golf. He was so proud of his flower gardens there. Jim was an avid reader, specifically of history. He had a library card from everywhere that he lived. Jim loved to vacation and fish at Chautauqua Lake, trying to catch muskies. Jim was considered a devout “contrarian” where he always had to disagree with what was said. He moved back into the family home in North Strabane Twp. for approximately 10 years, where he enjoyed the outdoor animals, feeding the birds, and going to the library. He had pizza and played cards (Five Crowns) every Friday night with family and friends, then joined them again for breakfast at the Pitt Stop on Sunday morning. Left behind is his sister, Cynthia A. “Cindy” Derrico and her husband Jeffrey of Canonsburg, his brother Kenneth Guest and his wife Jill of Washington, nieces and nephews, Justin Derrico, Jenna Derrico and husband Phil Rhein, Britini Hunkele and Brogan Guest, and two great grandnephews, Henry and Charles Hunkele.

Funeral arrangements and interment, with full Military Rites by the VFW Post 191 of Canonsburg and the United States Army, in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp. are private and have been entrusted into the care of Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg (724)745-8120. To view or extend your condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com