James H. Kantner, Jr.

James H. Kantner Jr, of Greenville, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Hamot Medical Center in Erie. He was 73.

James was born in Sharon, PA on August 20, 1952 to James H. Kantner Sr. and Shirley R. Rainey.

He graduated from Sharpsville High School and was a gifted baseball player, affectionately known as “Bones” Kantner. He started working at Silver Street Tire upon graduation and continued on to Sharon Tube in the late 70s where he remained until his retirement.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and dog dad; an avid hunter, a tree aficionado, purveyor of blue bird houses, chicken and duck lover, NASCAR enthusiast, Bingo winner (hopefully), coin collector, babysitter, sweet treat dealer and expert at giving people a hard time about politics and taxes.

He is survived by his children, Melanie (Adam) Mariacher, Tim Kantner (Natina), Stephen Kantner, and Amy Black (Tobey); eight grandchildren, Alexa Kantner, Brooklynn Mariacher, Joey Mariacher, Natalie Kantner, Olivia Kantner, Wesley Kantner, Abigail Black, and Waylon Black; four siblings, Gary (Carole) Kantner, Dan (Kathy) Kantner, Tommy Kantner and Linda (George) Zipay; the “best friend a guy could ask for” Shawn (Lisa) Callahan; a long list of cousins, nieces and nephews; and an even longer list of friends he’s made along the way; and of course, his beloved dog Buffy.

In accordance with his wishes, James will be cremated and a private Celebration of Life will be held paying tribute to all his favorite things, classic 70s rock, foods he was not supposed to eat, and as much laughter as he gave us throughout his life.

Cremation was entrusted to the care of Robert L. Snyder Funeral Homes and Crematory, Sheakleyville, PA. He definitely used up every ounce of his earthly body before departing.

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree, hang a bluebird box, or take a walk through the woods and think of James.

When James was 12 he gained a migratory tracker from a Canadian Goose that he kept for all these years, reading “Be not Afraid, Just Believe.”. 

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