James J. Potjunas

James Joseph Potjunas of Vienna, died Saturday, August 5, 2017. He was born July 9, 1957, in Warren, Ohio, the son of the late William and Phyllis Potjunas. He lived in the area his entire life.

Jim was a 1975 graduate of Warren Harding High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Mathematics from Youngstown State University.
He was employed for more than 32 years by Harbison Walker International of Pittsburg, PA. and enjoyed biking, camping, musical theater and his lifelong passion - Scouting. He dedicated his life to connecting area youth to the values, leadership, and appreciation of nature that Scouting offers.
From his very first meeting at age 11, Scouting ignited a spark in Jim that never dimmed.

Jim received his Eagle Scout Award in Troop 11 on October 16, 1973 and became an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 101 on his eighteenth birthday. He served on countless committees and event staffs and held many positions including Chickagami Camp Staff, Unit Commissioner, District Roundtable Commissioner, OA Adviser, Philmont Council Contingent Leader, and Council Vice-Chairman for N.E.S.A.

He became Scoutmaster of Troop 101 on June 17, 1980 - a position he would hold for the next 37 years.
Jim earned many awards and recognition's including Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor July 14, 1979, Woodbadge August 10, 1979, the Silver Beaver Award January 28, 1993, the Scoutmaster Award of Merit December 3, 1995, Friends of Scouting Outstanding Service Award June 2012 and he was recognized as a Trumbull County Community Star in March 2006. In addition to those and numerous other awards, Jim was honored in May 2017 at the dedication of the Jim Potjunas Troop 101 Scout Center on the campus of Blessed Sacrament Church.

This new building represents years of planning and dedication from the Troop 101 families and supporters. Jim's vision was to use this new resource to reach out to the youth of Trumbull county and introduce them to the same values and leadership skills he and so many other Scouts and Scouters have found to be immeasurable. He challenged everyone to join together in finding more ways to help area youth benefit from, and enjoy, the Scouting program. May we all find the strength, courage and passion to carry on his work.

Jim will be sadly missed by his wife Sandra of Vienna, son Thomas (Stack) of Vancouver, WA., and brothers Jay Potjunas of Warren and Tom Potjunas of Vienna.

The family wishes to express thanks to all who have given aid and comfort during this very difficult time.
A celebration of his life will be held Sunday September 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church in Warren Ohio
In Lieu of flowers, tax-deductible contributions can be made to either the Jim Potjunas Camping Fund or the Jim Potjunas Troop 101 Scout Center fund. Checks can be made payable to: Troop 101 Alumni Association, Inc., Attn: Tom Ross-TAA Chairman, 9618 Cain Dr. NE, Warren, OH 44484.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co, 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary and send condolences.