James S. “Guy” Broadbent, Sr.
November 30, 1940 - January 21, 2025
Visitation: Friday, January 24, 2025, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.; Devlin Funeral Home, Inc., Ross Twp.
Service: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Teresa of Avila Church.
James Samuel Broadbent, Sr. was a true believer in living life to its fullest. Nothing defines him more than he was simply a wonderful family man. He is the youngest of 9 children born and raised on the North Side of Pittsburgh. His parents Susanna (Port) and Norman Broadbent along with his siblings have all gone before him. He met and fell in love with Patty aka Peaches who would become his wife of 61 years. Together they had 4 children, Joyce, Jimmy, Jay and Michael. He was the best dad and spent his life devoted to teaching them, by example the best way to live. Jim was totally involved in all of their activities. He lived his life “His Way”. Jim was the proud grandfather of Ava, Cora and Carter. Ava gave him the name of “Guy”. That name stuck and he is everyone’s Guy.
He never belonged to any clubs or organizations, but always found ones to support in many ways. Jim’s compassion, kindness and generosity came easy to him and was evident in his everyday life.
Jim’s career at PennDot began in 1961. After several years, he was promoted to the County Chief Negotiator of the Right-of-Way Department. He oversaw hundreds of highway projects in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. He used his negotiating skills along with his compassion to help the claimants ease into a new home in a new neighborhood.
After retirement from PennDot he wrote a book, “The Right-of-Way Man” which is about his experiences. It did not reach the best seller list, but he had fun celebrating along the way. He retired at the age of 50 and decided to start his own right of way acquisition company (Keystone Acquisitions) along with two of his sons.
Jim was an avid golfer. Although he never got that long sought after “HOLE IN ONE”. his quest and desire never ended. Jim thought that golf courses were among the most beautiful places on earth. He would know that because he played many of them. Jim’s entire life was lived in the best way possible. He lived a good life following the Commandments. His love of God was evident each and every day through his actions. Jim was not afraid to die and made that clear.
After an unfortunate, undetected infection that made its way into his brain, emergency surgery was necessary which changed his life drastically. Even though he fought for a few months to recover, his life was brought to a close.
He’s on the staircase to Heaven to meet all those family members, friends and acquaintances who in one way or another shared his life. He was the spontaneous life of the party and you can be sure he will be that above also. His humor and wit will be carried on with him. He will be missed so much because he was loved by all those who knew him. The family refers to him as the G.O.A.T…….THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME!
Send Flowers Shop Gifts Plant Trees Print Obituary Share Obituary
Condolences for cousin Pat and her entire family. Jim was a great guy!
Jimmy was the chief negotiator when I started at PENNDOT. I was so happy when I got assigned to his section! He was always a great boss, and more importantly, a great human. He always treated people fairly and with dignity. He was extremely knowledgeable when it came to right-of way. He was always in a good mood and constantly had a smile on his face, someone you wanted to be around. Jimmy leaves behind a beautiful wife and a wonderful family! God Bless them.
Hi Jimmy , my condolences to you He sounded like a wonderful man father and friend. He played it on his way. God bless him
Jim was an amazingly witty guy. I was always a bit intimidated by his sarcasm, never could figure out when he was serious and when he wasn’t (99% of the time it was all jokes).
My condolences to Pat, Jay, Mike and the whole Broadbent family. I am keeping you all in my thoughts.
Dear Pat and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and all the family on the death of your husband and Father.
May you gain strength and support from your family and friends.
A sunny friendly Guy!
Jimmy was sitting next to my wife, Ellie, at my first Right-of-Way Christmas party. After our table’s initial conversational pairings, he turned to her and asked, “And what do you do, Ellie?” My wide relied, “I take care of my husband.” He then commented, “That must be a full-time job.” What he said was at once both dispelling of our nervousness and a jocular affirmation of my wife’s character. As I have never forgotten those words, so will I never forget him. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him.
Our condolences to James’s family and friends. Rest in Peace James.
To the dearest family I’ve been blessed to know…my heart aches for all of you! It was really great to learn more of “Mr B” from your wonderful Obit Write-up.
I so loved his wonderful quit 1 liners wit & the one of his I’ve used many times was “I’m painting the house” when some1 asks you a dumb question! It always made laugh 2 B able to use it!!!
I’m so very sorry for all of you for such a huge loss & only hope you find the strength & courage to get thru this extremely difficult time.
❤️ & 🙏🙏🙏 to all of you,
Debbie G
PennDOT Icon – known and loved by all that knew him. When I think of him – I see that infectious grin. If there’s a heaven – He’s there. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Jim was truly one of the funniest and most authentic people I have ever met. When I worked at Keystone, his presence in the office was always something I looked forward to & his stories were unparalleled (will never forget his email about how he was mad about his trick or treaters not being excited about receiving Lance cream cheese and chives crackers). I know how much he was loved & how much he will be missed. Sending love to the entire Broadbent family.
I want to express my deepest condolences for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Wishing you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Bao
Jim was my first boss when I joined PennDOT and his example was wonderful of how to be a good manager and treat people the way he would want to have been treated. He taught me when I became a manager to have an open door and to listen to others as the people doing the actual work often knew better than the manager what approach to take. And eventually I was totally pleased to be able to give Keystone their first contract with PennDOT because I knew Jim and his son’s Jay and Mike would treat everybody fairly and do the work the right way and keep on top of things. And that they did. I regret not seeing Jim for the last few years coming back to Pittsburgh. So just like my last boss who died prematurely I’ll have to reunite with them in heaven
Joyce, I didn’t know your dad, but after reading about him, I can see where you get your spirit from. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace, Mr. Broadbent.
Peaches,
When the four of us met a few years ago we became good friends. It was as if we had known each other for years. It didn’t take long to love the “GUY” in the captains hat. We learned quickly that Jim lived life to the fullest and loved it every step of the way. He was a very kind and caring person with an unforgettable sense of humor. We will miss him dearly. Our condolences to the entire Broadbent family. May he rest in peace.
John and Betsy
My deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Jim’s brilliance, compassion and wit will greatly be missed but will live on within everyone he touched.
He called me “Gantz”after the Elmer Gantry character . Good friend lots of memories from “the corner gang” on Shadeland Ave.
Sending our deepest sympathy. Rest in Peace Jim.
Foley and Jacob Families.
Dear Pat, Jay, Michael, Joyce & Jimmy –
He truly was the G.O.A.T. His smile was infectious, especially when you knew something witty and ornery was about to said. He was kind, caring, compassionate, wise, humble, so funny….the G.O.A.T.! My heart goes out to you all. Respectfully, Josh Harkins.
Uncle Jim you were always in my heart i will remember growing up the good times you were so special to me. You gave me away since dad passed away you stood in his place which meant the world to me i will cherish all the pictures forever always so sorry i was not around to much i will miss you so much look over all of us from heaven until i cross the bridge love you Forever Always ❤️❤️ give my mom dad hugs in heaven 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️
I went to grade school with Jim at Saint Leo’s, played many ball games in the field across the street from his house on Complete Street. I have his book, I think I’ll read it again. Good memories of an old pal.
Rest in peace my friend. It was a good journey for you on earth. We will hopefully see each other on the “other side.”
Patty, Jim was a fine man and he will be sorely missed in our neighborhood! His sense of humor was unmatched and he always found a way to make me smile. I am sorry that we became neighbors only a short few years ago.
Jackie and I will keep Jim, you and your family in our prayers!
We lost a good one…deepest condolences to Mrs B., Jimmy, Joyce, Jay, and Mike.
The Zwick Family
The joy he brought to our lives will not be forgotten. Words fail to express my deep sorrow for for your loss.
Jim is a hero, Jim is my hero, Jim is a great friend. Seriously, no words can represent what he has done for many others but especially what he has done for me. Love you brother, RIP.