James Andrew Stankus

James “Jim” Stankus, age 63, of Dunwoody, GA died unexpectedly but peacefully in Atlanta, GA on October 9, 2015 with his sister at his side. He was born on May 2, 1952 to Rudolph J. Stankus predeceased and Elizabeth A. Stankus in Greensburg, PA.
Jim grew up in western Pennsylvania and graduated in 1974 with a B.S. in Administration and Management Science from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh. His academic journey led him to California where he attended McGeorge School of Law for two years and subsequently graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1985 with a master’s degree in Procurement and Contract Management. His career in the Biotech industry kept him in California for approximately 30 years. He worked for Cetus Corporation from 1981 to 1991 and was recruited by Amgen in southern California in 1991. After a rewarding and successful career as an Associate Director with Amgen, Jim retired in 2006 and moved to Dunwoody, GA to take care of his mother.
Jim remained true to his Pittsburgh roots and was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan despite where he lived or worked. He enjoyed golfing, playing the guitar and walking his dog Tato. Jim was a generous, kind man who lovingly took care of his mother for nine years and who always had a close relationship with his sister. He was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church and believed in giving back to causes in which he believed. He treasured his family and friends, who will long value the love and friendship they shared with him for such a short time.
James A. Stankus is survived by his mother, Elizabeth A. Stankus of Dunwoody, GA and sister, Stephanie Stankus of Sandy Springs, GA. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 10:30 AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. The family is also planning a service at a later time in his native Pennsylvania.