James Lee Southern

James L. "Jumbo" Southern, 53 of Madera, passed away Friday July 21, 2023 peacefully at his home after a battle with oral cancer.

Born November 12, 1969 in Clearfield, he was a son of Caryn (Lee) Southern and the late Robert Southern Sr.

Jim was a member of the Madera Presbyterian Church, Houtzdale Fire Company #1, Osceola Masonic Lodge # 515 F&A.M., and the Houtzdale Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #327.

After graduating from Moshannon Valley High School in 1988 he went on to receive his associate degree in Tool Making Technology from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.

Jim was employed by Gasbarre Products of Olanta as a tool and die maker.

Jim previously held the office of Governor of the Houtzdale Moose Lodge, he was also a dedicated Houtzdale Fire Co #1 volunteer, serving as past Deputy Fire Chief and was a mentor to many of the firemen.  When not at the Houtzdale Moose or the fire hall he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and spending time at Camp 18 with his family and friends. 

Jim was a kind, caring, and thoughtful man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Along with his mother Caryn Southern of Houtzdale he is survived by a brother Robert Southern Jr. and his wife Traci of Houtzdale, a sister Jennifer and her husband Dr. Ernest Jones of San Antonio TX, nephews Derek (Colleen) Southern, and Tanner Southern, nieces Maura and Maeve Jones, a great niece Madison Southern.  Also surviving is his beloved uncle Thomas Southern and a cousin Tracey Southern-Moskel.

Preceding him in death was his father Robert Southern Sr., his maternal grandparents, James and Doris Lee, and his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Cleoda Southern.

Family and friends will be received Wednesday at the Birger A Freeberg Funeral Home Inc, Houtzdale from 2-4 pm. and 6-8 pm and Thursday from 9:00 am until 11:00 am.

Pastor Bill Conway will preside over the funeral service on Thursday at 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Alexander Cemetery, Madera.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim's Memory to the Houtzdale Fire Co.#1, 601 Good Street, Houtzdale, Pa 16651

The Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wwwbirgerafreebergfuneralhome.com