James Russell Starr
April 24, 1934 - July 9, 2026
James Russell Starr Obituary
Cumberland, MD - CUMBERLAND [mdash] James Russell "Jim" Starr, 92, passed away at UPMC Western MD on July 9, 2026.
He was born on April 24, 1934, in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, to the late Martin Starr Sr. and Elizabeth (Horne) Starr. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne "Toni" Starr; brother, Martin Starr Jr.; and sister, Ardith Raifsnider; and loving companion, Joyce Eror.
Jim is survived by his children; Sherry Laco (Jeff) and Tammy Starr (Barry Levine), with his first wife Pat Pastor; Susan Shern (Tom), and David Starr (Kelly Lark); grandchildren, Michael Laco (Erika), Steven Laco (Emily), Rachel Dignan (Chris), Ben Starr, and Ryan Shern; and great-granddaughters, Leia, Addison, Arya, and Charlotte.
Jim graduated from Tyrone Area High School in 1952. He attended Bethany College for one year and then enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years as an MP in Korea. Upon returning home, he completed an electrical apprenticeship in Alexandria, Virginia.
He then moved to Cumberland, where he worked as an electrician and became a life-long member of the I.B.E.W. Local 307. He retired as a journeyman electrician in 1996.
Jim and wife Toni enjoyed traveling, attending Fort Hill football games, attending NASCAR races and spending time with their grandchildren. After Toni passed away in 2007, Jim enjoyed 16 years of companionship with Joyce Eror until her passing in 2025.
Jim loved sitting on his front porch and talking with neighbors, friends and anyone else who passed by.
The family would like to thank Jim's wonderful neighbors in the 200-block of Pennsylvania Avenue for always looking after our loving Dad/Pap.
Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Following the interment, the family invites friends and family to join them at Oscar's Restaurant, 1103 E Oldtown Rd, Cumberland, MD 21502 at 3:30 PM.
Those wishing to honor Jim's memory may contribute to the Fort Hill Scholarship Fund, 500 Greenway Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502.
Condolences may be left at www.scarpelliFH.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
Cumberland, MD - CUMBERLAND [mdash] James Russell "Jim" Starr, 92, passed away at UPMC Western MD on July 9, 2026.
He was born on April 24, 1934, in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, to the late Martin Starr Sr. and Elizabeth (Horne) Starr. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne "Toni" Starr; brother, Martin
Published on July 12, 2026
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