James J. "Jim" Maletta, age 82, of Butler, passed away Monday, February 20, 2017 at VA Butler Healthcare.

Born in Butler on June 12, 1934, he was a son of the late Anthony "Tony" and Aurora "Laura" Capellari Maletta.

Jim retired from the Butler City Fire Department with the rank of Captain after serving 22 years on the force.  While with the fire department, he was instrumental in creating a fire prevention program that was both taught in the grade schools and presented as a public service to local groups and organizations.

He was a graduate of Butler High School Class of 1952. As a young man, Jim was well known for his prowess as a pitcher in the Butler Fast Pitch Softball League.

A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served in the United States Army.

He was a member of Saint Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Butler.

He served many years as a leader in an ecumenical, charismatic, covenant community, as well as serving his Roman Catholic church as a Eucharistic Minister and leader of adult education, including the RCIA program. In 2009, the Diocese of Pittsburgh presented Jim and his wife, Connie, with the Manifesting the Kingdom Award in recognition of their service.

Jim and Connie traveled to all 50 states at least three times. They also visited all the provinces of Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Jim enjoyed reading, especially the Bible, and he loved working crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Viola L. "Connie" Convery Maletta; three sons, James E. Maletta and his wife, Mary Lou, of West Allis, WI, John A. Maletta and his wife, Alessandra, of Franklin Park, PA, and Joseph P. Maletta and his wife, Wendy, of Franklin Park, PA; one daughter, Judy Jones and her husband, Tim, of Butler; one brother, Anthony L. Maletta, Jr. of Greensburg, PA; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Silvio Maletta.

Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Avenue, Butler, on Friday from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 am at Saint Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 1660 North Main Street Ext., Butler, with the Reverend James Salberg, officiating.

Burial will take place in Saint Peter's Cemetery.