Paul James

Paul G. James Jr., 72 years old of Tunkhannock, PA passed away surrounded by his family on the morning of November 9, 2023 at Robert Packer Hospital.

Paul was the son of the late Shirley Maclaney-James and Paul G. James. He was born at Nanticoke General Hospital. Raised as the oldest of 3 boys on a dairy farm in Red Rock, PA. He attended Northwest Area, Hoyt Grade School, and proudly graduated from E.L. Meyers High School. While in high school Paul enjoyed football, wrestling, & golf.

After high school he enlisted into the United States Army and served his country by doing 18 months in the Vietnam War, until he was sent home due to being injured in the line of duty. He went on to receive 2 Purple Hearts, Silver Star, and various other medals. After spending 30 days at home, he went on to Fort Dix, NJ for training and teaching. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart Carrie Lynn Kishbach, of Wilkes Barre, PA. They were married on October 30, 1971 at the Albright United Methodist Church, by Rev. Herring. This October the celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

After his training in Fort Dix he transferred to Fort Merrill Barracks in Nuremberg, Germany for 4.5 years. While in Germany he was assigned as a 2nd Armored Cavalry and a Ranger Scout. He then was stationed back home to stateside, to Fort Knox, KY. Where he served as a Military Training Teacher. As 1977 came to an end Paul decided it was time to retire and start a civilian life.

He took up time working at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. Then moved forward into working for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, where he retired after 35 years.

During this time of raising his family he enjoyed coaching his daughter's softball teams throughout TBA, spent time with the Tiger Booster Club volunteering countless hours. Fishing with the Lunker Landing Bass Club on weekends, bookkeeper for his grandson's little league teams, and traveling miles to watch his grandsons play and support in whatever activity it was. He was their biggest supporter.

"Pa" loved life! He enjoyed spending time outside in nature and countless walks with his trusty little sidekick Spaniel Dazi. He cherished his wife Carrie and daughter Rebecca. His love for his grandsons was unmatched. He always treated his son-in-law like he was his true son. Most of all he was the kindest person and would help anyone who needed it.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter, Rebecca Lynne and husband Robert Richards; brother Mark and wife Shannon James; grandsons, Joshua Robert and wife Emily (Baker) Richards, Jacob Paul & Amy (Llewelyn) Richards.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Helen and Leonard James; brothers Keith and John James; uncle, William Maclaney.

Family and friends are invited to attend Paul's funeral service which will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10:00AM from the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657 with Rev. Richard Womer presiding with full military honors. Interment will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Paul's favorite charities and groups: Patriots Cove, 34 S River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, Meshoppen Cat Rescue, Meshoppen, PA, Tunkhannock Tiger Varsity Wrestling, 56 Putnam St. Tunkhannock, PA, TBA (Tunkhannock Baseball Association), PO Box 207 Tunkhannock, PA.