James J. Panchik

James J. Panchik, 69, of Worthington, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the date of his 37th wedding anniversary to his wife, Beth (Kijowski) Panchik. Born February 8, 1957, he was the youngest son of the late Nick and Mary (Chromiak) Panchik.

Jim’s compassion, humility, kindness, patience, positivity and sense of humor were among the traits most cherished by those who loved him, including family and close friends too numerous to name. Jim’s best times were spent with family and friends of many decades. He enjoyed college football and basketball, the Pittsburgh Steelers, swimming, being at the beach, reading and wine.

Jim was a 1975 graduate of Ford City High School, a 1979 magna cum laude graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in political science. He then graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1982. Jim worked for a law firm based in Pittsburgh for two years before moving his practice to Kittanning. He served as a public defender for Armstrong County from 1985 to 1989 (including serving as Chief Public Defender) and was a fixture in the Armstrong County legal community for several decades. During his time in private practice, in addition to representing his individuals and businesses, he served as solicitor for: Armstrong County, the Armstrong County Industrial Development Authority, Ford City Borough Municipal Authority, Mahoning Township, Sugarcreek Zoning Hearing Board, Applewold Zoning Hearing Board and Domestic Relations Section for Armstrong County.

Jim was elected to serve as a trial judge for the Court of Common Pleas of Armstrong County in 2007 and was retained for a second term in 2017. He served as President Judge for a number of years until his retirement on January 4, 2026. Jim cherished his time in private practice and serving on the bench. Jim presided over countless jury trials and assisted in spearheading the creation of Armstrong County’s veterans’ treatment court.  During his time as President Judge, he also administered the Domestic Relations section of the Court as well as the Probation Department. He exemplified the meaning of being a fair and impartial judge. He truly cared about his work and its impact on individuals and found great fulfillment in his role in the community over many decades.

Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana/Armstrong Commission on Drugs and Alcohol, ARC Manor, the Ukrainian Technological Society and the United Way of Armstrong County. Jim was an active member of Christ Prince of Peace Parish in Ford City.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Panchik.

Survivors include his wife, Beth; brother, Tim; children: Gretchen (Eric), Hannah (Christopher) Arndt, Yuri, Nicholas and James; and grandchildren, Brooks and Charlotte.

Visitation will be reserved for immediate family only. All are welcome to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Christ Prince of Peace Parish, 736 4th Avenue, Ford City, PA 16226, with Rev. Andrew Hamilton as celebrant. Private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that to honor Jim’s memory, pay forward an act of kindness.  Funeral arrangements are in the care of Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James J. Panchik, please visit our floral store.