David W. James

David W. James, 90, of South Abington Township died peacefully at his home on Friday, surrounded by his family. Ann, his loving wife of 35 years, passed away in 2017.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Chester and Mary James. He was a member of the first graduating class of the new Clarks Summit High school where he was President of his class, and rumored to have a part in the naming of the now legendary "Comets". He was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving as a tank commander during the Korean Conflict. After completing his military service, David graduated from Keystone College and Syracuse University. While at Syracuse he was the House Manager of his fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Upon graduation, he worked for Acker Drill buying industrial diamonds for their drill bits. His keen business mind and personable managerial style launched his career with S.J. Bailey & Son where he was the President of Bailey Manufacturing and Vice President of S.J. Bailey and Son. He retired after devoting over 40 years to a career he loved.

As a youth, he was affectionately known around Waverly as "Bumpy" James. He was the Scranton Tribune news boy in town with a fast car that he graciously used to give a lift to anyone in need. His love for cars led him to secure a few toys over the years that he and Ann would take out for a "Sunday Drive". And if you were lucky enough to get to go on one of these adventures, you undoubtedly got to experience "Fine Dining with Dave and Ann". He and Ann also shared a love of travel, visiting every state in the USA and many foreign lands and tropical beaches. When he wasn't traveling, he likely could be found having a cone at Mannings Dairy or a peanut butter smidgen at Gertrude Hawks.

There were no steps in the James household. He was a genuinely loving father, mentor, teacher, and co-conspirator.  He led by example how to be kind, calm, helpful, giving, selfless and above all, a true Gentleman.

He is survived by two daughters, Debby James of Houston, Texas; Kimberly Jacques, of South Abington Township; and his dedicated and loving son, Jeffry Jacques of South Abington Township; a brother, Phillip and wife Lorraine James of New Milford; and a sister, Dorothy Porto of Cleveland Ohio; sisters-in-law Joanne Mecca, of Old Forge, and Maureen Clift, of Hawley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard James, and brothers-in-law William Porto and James R. Clift.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Gilhooley and Marissa Siekierka for their wonderful compassionate care for 31 years. They would also like to thank all his caregivers, especially Kim, Amanda, Sherry, Fallon, Jessica and the entire staff at Traditional Hospice Care.

As a devout member of Our Lady of the Snows Parish a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State Street, Clarks Summit by Msgr. Joseph G. Quinn, pastor. Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 7 pm at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Francis Commons, and Our Lady of the Snows Parish.