J.D. “Champ” Champion

He was born Oct. 4, 1926, in Warren, Pa., a son to the late Ernest Dirl Champion and Agnes Way Stanley.

Champ is survived by his children: Nan Steber of Youngsville, Pa., Sue (Dave) Papalia of Warren, Pa., and Jay (Julie) Champion of Youngsville, Pa.; his grandchildren: Amy Burt and Tara (Joe) Rectenwald, both of Youngsville, Pa., Zack (Kate) Papalia and Kyle Papalia, both of State College, Pa.; his great-grandchildren: Dylan and Dawson Burt, both of Youngsville, Pa., Marli, Rylee and Kyler Rectenwald, all of Youngsville, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Ruth Champion of Barnes, Pa., and several loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Avonelle “Avie” Larson Champion; his stepmother, Bernice Champion; step-father, Paul Stanley; a brother, Donald Champion; a sister, Lilyan (Glenn) Grousch; and an infant brother.

Champ instilled a strong work ethic in those he loved. He did this by example. Champ started working at a young age delivering groceries to his neighbors in Tiona. He took a job alongside his father working the oil rigs on Six Mile. He loved to work, but he also told us to “Find a job you love, so it doesn’t feel like work.” He went on to own the Twin Kiss, which is now the Dairy Delight. Later he took a position in the maintenance department at Sylvania. During this time he also hung curtains for Levinson Brothers and had a carpet cleaning business in the evenings. When a position became available to manage Wolf Run Marina, he had his family by his side as they worked and “lived” on a boat on the weekends. Champ was at the Marina when the storm “Agnes” ripped through the area leaving feet of water at the Kinzua Dam that could not be let go for fear of flooding Pittsburgh and our town of Warren. Later, he became a partner in laundromats and the Humdinger in Pleasant Township. Along with his son, Jay and daughter-in-law, Julie, he continued to own Champion Enterprises, which included the laundromats in Youngsville, Pa., and Falconer, N.Y.

He loved to build. He helped all three kids build homes. At the tender age of 80, he helped his daughter, Sue and son-in-law, Dave build the A&B Heating building on Market Street. He was nicknamed “Sawdust” — He never saw a piece of wood that didn’t need cut up!

Champ loved having his family around him. He tried to make it to any ballgame the grandkids were playing. He was a snowbird and spent 35 years wintering at Tree Lakes in Palmetto, Fla., with his many friends. He loved shooting trap and was a member of both the Sheffield Trap Team and Skyway Trap Club. He was a lifetime member of the Warren Elks Club and a member of the Youngsville American Legion Post 658.

After an illness two years ago, Champ moved into the Rouse Suites. It wasn’t long before he was “one of the gang” at the end of the hall! He looked forward to his daily visits from his daughter, Nan, who was his caregiver. He so enjoyed surprise visits from his many friends and family members — especially his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He also loved his garden and teasing all the staff at the Suites. We want to thank all “the girls” for taking such good care of our dad.

Champ loved playing games of all types, but bingo was at the top of his list. He was competitive by nature and wanted to win like a champion.

He was still planning his next great adventure and had his next bingo game in his sights!

Our dad left this world a happy man.

Please join us on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, at the Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 314 N. Main St., Youngsville, PA 16371 from 3-6 p.m., at which time a celebration of life service will be held there with the Rev. Marcus Briggs, pastor of the Rouse Home, officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Warren County Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.