James Elias Obituary

James Andrew Elias, 83 of Follansbee, WV, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA after a brief illness.

James was born on April 27, 1942 in Southview, PA. He was the son of the late Andrew M. Elias and Julia Ann (Lazorik) Elias.

James was a proud 1960 graduate of Follansbee High School and continued his education at Steubenville Business College. Shortly thereafter, he honorably served his country in the United States Army, where he received advanced training as a Tank Crewman - a role he carried with strength, discipline, and pride.

A man of deep faith, James was a devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Weirton, faithfully serving as an usher and offering a welcoming smile and steady presence to parishioners for many years. His strong work ethic defined much of his life. He dedicated 30 years to Weirton Steel as a skilled pipefitter and was a proud member of the Weirton Steel 25 Year Club - a testament to his loyalty, craftsmanship, and commitment.

James found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved fantasy football and the thrill of a trip to the casino. He took great pride in tending to his vegetable garden, generously sharing its harvest with family and friends. He never wavered from a spirited political debate, often enjoyed while watching Fox News, and he valued standing firm in his beliefs.

Above all else, James' greatest pride and deepest love were his grandchildren. They were truly his world, and nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with them, cheering them on, and sharing in their lives. His legacy of hard work, faith, humor and devotion to family will live on in each of them.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his two brothers, Dennis and Keith Elias.

James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Theresa (Dalbo) Elias of Follansbee, WV, three children, Kevin Elias and his wife, Shelley of Weirton, WV, Kurt Elias and his fiancée, Lori Wiethe of Alliquipa, PA and Jamie Shuryn and her husband, Donald of Lexington Park, MD; seven grandchildren, Emily Tost and her husband, Joshua, Nicholas, Nathan and Elizabeth Elias, and Noelle, Alana and Dylan Shuryn; a sister, Bonnie Bullock of Charlotte, NC, a brother-in-law, Anthony Dalbo and his wife Patty of Triadelphia, WV and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 PM with Vigil Service at 7:00 PM at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee, WV (304)527-1717. Funeral service will commence on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 9:15 AM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Weirton, WV with Father Binu Sebastian, presiding.

Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Follansbee, WV with Military Honors by the WV Army National Guard and the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad.

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