James A. "Flash" Frutchey

James A. Frutchey, 83, of South Abington Township died on Monday, September 11, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Melliand Frutchey, who was the love of his life for 36 years.

Born in Scranton, son of the late James Allen Frutchey and Glenora Jean Frutchey, Jim was a 1958 graduate of Scranton Central High School. He graduated from Union College (KY) with a major in social studies education and received a Masters Degree in history for the Pennsylvania State University. He taught social studies for five years at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in New Jersey and also served as the Social Studies Coordinator for the Abington Heights School District, and sixteen years at Marywood University as an adjunct lecturer in history. At Abington Heights, he developed and taught for twenty-six years, a course which he wrote entitled Russian Studies. Also at Abington Heights, he coached softball for twenty-one years and was inducted into the Abington Heights Sports Wall of Fame.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, Jim is survived by a son, James J. and his wife Donna, Clarks Summit; a son, Matthew J., Dartmouth, MA; and a daughter, Rachael E., Factoryville; two grandsons, Ethan Frutchey and Evan Frutchey; a granddaughter, Kaya Paduck; and his faithful Boston terrier, Gracie.

Jim loved, cared for, and supported his family above all else, feeling his happiest when surrounded by them. His love, energy, infectious laugh, and conversations about nearly anything, from his beloved Yankees to stories about Russian history, will be deeply missed by all.

A blessing service will be held on Thursday at 4 pm at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA  18411 with services by Msgr. Joseph G. Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of the Snows Church.

Friends may pay their respects at the funeral home from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to the Abington Heights Student Aid Fund, PO Box 135, Clarks Summit, PA  18411 or the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.