James "Jim" Mosley Camburn

James “Jimmy” Camburn, lovingly known throughout West Chester as the “Can Man,” passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, Jimmy was the son of the late Daniel H. Camburn and Elaine F. Mosley.

He moved to West Chester at a young age and was a lifelong member of the community.

He attended Gay Street School, Biddle Street School, Stetson Jr. High, and graduated from Henderson High School in 1976.

Jimmy was a tremendous athlete, excelling in track and field, where he held the school record for the longest javelin throw. He also won a sectional wrestling tournament as a senior in the 154 lb. weight class. Along with athletics, Jimmy had a love for music. He sang with the Meistersingers at Henderson High School and continued singing for many years in a men’s quartet as a first tenor. He held first seat tenor in districts for Henderson High School.

Following graduation, Jimmy worked alongside his father at Camburn Construction Company until a head injury in 1989. Afterward, he became a beloved figure in town, known by many as the “Can Man.” With his shopping cart, Jimmy collected cans throughout West Chester, always greeting neighbors with kindness and gratitude. The community embraced him, and he became a local fixture—so much so that the staff at Penn’s Table Restaurant treated him like “the Mayor of West Chester,” where he could be found most mornings enjoying breakfast, before ending the day at West Chester Recycling cashing in his cans.

Jimmy was also a cherished uncle. His nieces and nephews fondly remember his warmth, humor, and the special times they shared:

“He was my favorite Uncle.”

“Uncle Jim put me on his Harley motorcycle when I was 3, and I thought it was so cool.”

“I remember Uncle Jim as a wonderful uncle who spent a lot of time playing with me, coloring, and doing puzzles.”

“Uncle Jim was the fun uncle.”

“I remember he framed puzzles and was always happy and goofy, making me laugh.”

“I’m his namesake”

“Watchman who made sure Uncle Jim was okay”

“Life is like a box of chocolates, and Uncle Jim could eat the whole thing.”

"Whenever I saw Uncle Jim he gave me a stuffed animal, he was my favorite uncle. 

Jimmy will be deeply missed by his family and the countless friends who loved him in West Chester.

He is survived by his brother, David J. (Vicki) Camburn, sister, Dawn Dodds-Guiseppe, sister-in-law Nancy Camburn, step siblings, Jeannie Van Buren (Jim); Denise Roach; and Dolly Fuchs (Jeff); and 11 loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Daniel R. Camburn.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380; followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Live streaming will be available Here.

Interment will be in Philadelphia Memorial Park.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church St. West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com