OBITUARIES
James Anthony “Jim” Gongola of Elkins, WV passed away surrounded by family on May 21st, 2026. He was born on June 1st, 1941 in Ford City, PA to John and Ann Gongola. Jim was married to Janice Beth Lefkowitz on December 17th, 1965. He is survived by his wife Janice, his three children Andrew (Jayme) Gongola of Elkins, Steven (Jenna) Gongola of Elkins, and Lisa (Scott) Karlen of Elkins. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Hannah Gongola, Liam Gongola, Alec Karlan, Isabella Karlan, Hudson Karlan, William (Natalie) Gongola, Benjamin Gongola, and David Gongola. It was an unexpected joy for Jim to have all of his children return to Elkins to work and raise their families. Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Ann, his brother John, and sister Louise.
Jim graduated from Ford City High School and attended Penn State before graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He worked as an accountant and computer analyst in the Washington DC area for a number of years and was a member of the Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969. Later, Jim moved back to Elkins with his wife and three children to run the family business (Elkins Iron & Metal) after the death of his father-in-law, Willard Lefkowitz. Hogan’s Transfer and Storage was later acquired by Jim and his wife, a company that provided trucking and moving/storage services in the area. Jim retired from business in 2005. Jim was known around Elkins for his affable personality, easy going manner, and hearty laugh. He loved to travel, indulging his appetite for good food, quality wine, and interesting sites. He enjoyed planting his small garden and watching any number of sporting events and other activities in which his grandchildren participated. Jim was a Past President and Life Member of the Tygart Valley Lions Club.
Friends will be received from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins. Jim will then be moved to the Beverly Cemetery where a graveside service will be held at 4:30 P.M. Andrew Gongola will officiate and interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.
