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JAMES DISKIN Obituary
JAMES PATRICK III, Aug. 21, 2012, of Springfield, PA. Beloved son of the late James Patrick and Evelyn Louise (nee Buchanan) Diskin, Jr., devoted brother of Charles J. (Patricia) Diskin, M.D., loving uncle of Charles Dyer and James Buchanan Diskin. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass Saturday 10:30 A.M. Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 136 Saxer Ave., Springfield, PA 19064 and to his Visitation Saturday after 9:30 A.M. in the Church. Int. SS. Peter and Paul Cem. Contributions in his memory to a Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Community College of Philadelphia, Attn: Judith Gay, 1700 Spring Garden St., Phila., PA 19130
(O'LEARY F.H., Springfield, PA)
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES DISKIN
Sponsored by anonymous.
Paul Soscia
January 18, 2025
I just learned this and was saddened by the new. Professor Diskin taught my Calculus class when I was a freshmen at PSU (Delaware County/Brandywine) in 1988. He was good teacher, how brought passion to the subject and to the proofs. It was clear he loved baseball and his PSU team was important to him. He had an interesting way to do extra credit on the tests where problem(s) answer would spell out some baseball trivia "word" or current event in MLB
Joe Picozzi
August 20, 2024
I invoke the memory of Jim anytime I am reminded of his dedication and passion that surrounded our Penn State Delco baseball team that he founded. Jim was one the most genuine people I ever knew and his kindness and love of the game lives on through all that we´re lucky enough to have known and played for him.
Dave Freeman
August 19, 2024
Another year of remembering Jim.
I am thankful to receive this annual reminder. We need more kindness and decency in the World. Something Jim had in many ways.
I will still remember his love of baseball and I also always remember him on Opening Day. Thankful to have known him.
David Freeman
August 18, 2022
On Opening Day of baseball, Jim´s memory and his great personality burn brightly for me. I always remember him navigating the stairway with a stack of books and student papers filling his fully extended arms.
Always good natured.
I read some of his former students´ comments and the impact he had on their lives. I am not surprised ...he was that type of person.
Arkady Kitover
August 18, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
David Freeman
August 18, 2021
One thing I know would have been a great conversation with Jim is Shohei Ottani. The pitcher/home run hitter discussion would have been filled with Jim´s encyclopedic knowledge of everything baseball. And fun, too.
Joe Picozzi
July 19, 2021
I was so incredibly sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Diskin ( as I always knew him.) He was the inspiration behind the first baseball team at Penn State´s Lima campus.
I played for him on his first team and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The team was full of a bunch of characters but none greater than our coach. His passion inspired us all and that inspiration lives on in the many baseball teams that have coached for the last 20 years. A wonderful man who made a difference.
David Freeman
August 19, 2020
In these times, few people could brighten your day. Jim could.
That’s why I miss him and that is why I remember him.
Arkady Kitover
August 18, 2020
Jim was a wonderful person, completely devoted to mathematics and to his students. His sudden and untimely death was a great loss. I miss him!
Susan Barton
October 18, 2017
I knew Jim when we both taught in the Math Department at Penn State Del Co. I thought of him now as his beloved Astro's appear to have a shot at going to the world series (playing my beloved Dodgers). I was hoping to catch up with him. Sorry he will be watching from heaven.
Susan Hunt
September 21, 2017
I just read of Jim's passing in the list of deceased fellow graduates of the class of 1967 from Cardinal O'Hara. We did not know each other in high school, but I met Jim many years later when we were both teaching math at Penn State Delco. He was a personable and kind teacher known for his willingness to help students. He will be remembered in a Mass at Cardinal O'Hara on Saturday, October 7th for deceased members of the Class of '67.
Soniya Anis
September 2, 2014
Today, as I am about to finish my undergraduate at Penn, I will never forget my very first day of freshmen year at CCP. Calculus my first class and it was with Mr. Diskin. I often think about you and pray for you that God put you in a better place. Much much love and respect.
lanier williams
October 13, 2013
Prof. Diskin was my Algebra teacher at C.C.P. For many students there Algebra is the make or break of students college career. Like many, I avoided it till I couldnt avoid it anymore. but I remember distinctly my first day of class, and even more vividly that Prof. with the wierest clothing selection I had ever seen; green pants with a torn pocket hanging from their side, a pink shirt, and a wide yellow tie. Our class broke out laughing, but if I had taken one thing with me trough life, if I had learned one thing; it was that anyone who would stand to be so unique in a world where everyone wants to fit in meant that this guy was special. Not only did I not laugh, but I made it my business to get to know this man. When I did get to know him; I loved him. We spoke about science, God, baseball, an oh yes, algebra. I know he was a huge Astros fan, and admired Jesus Christ.
To my knowledge he lived the golden rule, and said could even prove its logic mathematically. He comforted me, and encouraged me through that semester. That semester made me, and without it I would have not gotten a second chance at life. I am now Double majoring in psychology and religion at the University of Pennsylvania soon to be attending Princeton for grad school.
I was homeless, a 10th grade drop out, and a 33 year old college student when I met Prof. Diskin. In all of my schooling since i have not met a finer professor. I want everyone to know; he saved my life, he helped me succeed in a way where my children and wife are proud of me. The last we spoke I insisted that we had dinner together so he could meet my family. We were never able to reconnect, and as I worked hard through school much has passed me by.
Prof. Diskin, thank you. You saved me.
You gave me a new life, you cared about me, and for that I will not forget you.
Kelly Batchelder
December 29, 2012
Jimmy was my dads friend and had kept in touch with him over the years. I have heard a million stories of how jimmy ran around with my dad and many people who have written on this board. Jimmy also ran around with my uncle frank. I never met jimmy but his sports stories seem endless. As a female my dad got me reading Jimmy's facts in order to learn more about the phillies. I unfortunately never met jimmy but he sounded like he changed many people's lives. Rest in peace mr diskin.
Kelly batchelder, Jim batchelder's daughter. [email protected]
Gail Chaskes
October 29, 2012
I am a Math Specialist in the Learning Lab at Community College of Phila and remember Jim fondly. When one of Prof. Diskin's students applied to be a tutor, we knew that an A in his class was a real achievement. He will be missed by students and colleagues, and I extend my belated condolences to his family.
B. Clark Loveridge
September 17, 2012
It was my pleasure to work with Jim since 2000 on the Community College of Philadelphia Math Awards Committee and later with the Math Club. He was friendly, articulate, and loyal. We shared a love of math, a love of teaching, and a love of bicycling. I will miss him.
Karen Spector
September 13, 2012
If this is the same Jim Diskin who taught Calculus at Penn State Delco in 1993, he was the best Math teacher I have ever had. And he always took the time to explain everything to us, no matter how many times we asked him to go over it. He was a very nice man and I am so sorry to see of his passing.
September 6, 2012
you know how much o well miss jim my love and prayers are woth you and your family please keep in touch
Barbara Howard
September 4, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He cared deeply for his students, and often came to me to schedule space for additional time with students. I loved everything about Jim - his personality was infectious! His love for his students, his brother and his friends, his love of baseball, and his love of Math - these are what I will always remember about Jim.
August 29, 2012
Charles, it was so good to see you, i just wish it was under different cercumstances. My prayers are with you & family. I will miss Jim's Christmas time chats.
Love to you & family.
Cousin Loretta
August 29, 2012
Dear Charlie, I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's death. I found out today, Aug. 29 from a common friend. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
May God grant you the strength to remain strong.
I will always remember your brother and the many baseball trips that we took together. I've known him for 45 years and he will be truly missed.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Charles Tortorici
Tom Rudolph
August 28, 2012
Dear Charlie:
I wanted to offer my condolences on the passing of your brother. I have such wonderful memories of Jim. Starting back in the days when I played baseball with you, Jim and the others with the Corsairs. Those games were such an important part of my life. I always enjoyed Jim's passion for everything that he did.
I remember going to Phillies games with Jim and down to Baltimore to see the Orioles. He was so much fun to be around.
As my brother, John, mentioned, I always enjoyed reading his yearly update in his personally written Christmas cards.
I mentioned to my sister, Jane, who attended several of the Phillies games with me and Jim. that I'm sure Jim is in heaven talking baseball with Frank Bacheldor. When I texted this to my sister, Jane, she replied "and Harry Kalas too."
I am sending you my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Warm Regards,
Tom Rudolph
David Watters
August 28, 2012
Jim was one of those "characters" that every college or university has: most everyone knows "of him" but many do not really know him. I did. He loved working with students - inside and outside of the classroom. His enthusiasm for applying mathematics theory and classroom activities to the "real world" was special. Working with the Math Club - and arranging field trips were just a few of his outstanding contributions to Community College of Philadelphia
August 27, 2012
So sad to hear of Jimmy's passing !What a nice guy ! I'm sure he is forming a pick-up baseball game in Heaven right now !!!
Denny Donnelly
John Gambale
August 26, 2012
Charlie,
I saw Jim's obit on Friday when I was up the mountains. I was shocked and saddened and I offer you and your family my deepest condolences.I'm letting the guys we all played ball with back many years ago know that we have lost a good friend and a passionate sportsman.
Regards,
John
Patricia Albert
August 25, 2012
Hi Charles/Patti & Family,
I just heard the shocking news about Jimmy. It's times like this that I wish we didn't live so far apart. Whenever I watch baseball, I think of Jim and wonder if he had visited that ball field. I know his goal was to see them all. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. I will contact you soon.
Cousin Pat (& Bill and kids)
Laurie Ellis
August 25, 2012
I met Jim one day about 5-6 years ago. He was riding his bike and the handle bar broke. I saw it happen and stopped my truck. He was hurt and I offered to take him to the hospital. He said he would like to go home.
This happened on the same rode as his accident.
So we put his bike in the back and I went home to get him a towel and some water. Then I asked him where he lived. I assumed it was close. Well , he said Springfield... I didn't hesitate to take him home.
We got to the house and I had learned that Jim was a teacher and that he lived alone. He seemed very nice. He took my phone # and said he would let me know how he was.
He called me a few days later and said he had broken his wrist but was okay. Just banged up. He thanked me again and asked if I knew a song by Clay Walker about paying it forward. He said he would pay my kindness forward. I am sure he did...
We never spoke again but I passed him many times near my house, always without an shirt, in all kinds of weather.
I passed Jim on tuesday on creek road. Just about where he had fallen so many years ago. I felt a connection to him.
His accident happened not far from that same spot.
He knew that road so well. I am very sorry for your loss.
Patti Toner
August 25, 2012
Dear Charlie and Family - Jimmy was such an exceptionally wonderful person. We were blessed to have walked our life's journey along with him. Jimmy was a Saint on this earth, and now is an even bigger Saint in Heaven. Charlie, we are always here for you. Much love Paul, Brendan, Julie, Patti Toner
Arkady Kitover
August 24, 2012
I worked with Jim for many years. He was a wonderful person, completely devoted to mathematics, to teaching, and to his students. He was an idealist very far removed from any politicizing of teaching and after talking with him one always felt refreshed. I will miss him and I am sure so will many other people in our department!
John Rudolph
August 24, 2012
Hi Charlie,
I can't possibly find the words to describe this sad news. Jim was one of my very best friends. So many happy memories, of course remembering his love of baseball, from the Springfield A.A. to the Springfield Corsairs! Many happy times at Phillies games at Connie Mack Stadium and the Vet. His love and passion for the game inspired all of his friends. Long before the internet, Jim was the source for anything and everything related to the game. I fondly recall him telling us about the latest phenom in the Phillies' farm system and steadfastly refusing to leave any game before the final out. To this day I still sit through every game thinking of Jim and invariably witnessing an incredible play I've never seen before. And we also had many happy games of pick-up basketball wherever we could find a court - whether it was Powell Road Park or St. joseph's field house - and football at Springfield H.S. Jim was such a faithful friend, sending long personal messages in his Christmas Card every year. All the best in this difficult time, so sorry I can't be with you tomorrow.
John Rudolph
john bambach
August 24, 2012
Charlie- been a long time but what fond memories I have of playing basketball and baseball with Jim, you and many others and Jim always organizing the games for us. Remember the corvar we drove around in all the time. Jimmy and my brother Mark worked at CC and said Jim was lucky enough to never change and was always on top of the sports news. I extend you our best wishes and prayers, Jimmy was a good person
Bonnie Bradly
August 24, 2012
I will truly miss James, he would come into our office every other week to pick up his paycheck and we would talk about his love of baseball. He would beam when he talked about going out and seeing a game with his brother.
You can't believe how many books this teacher would carry all around the campus in his arms, the books out weighed him. I once suggested he'd get one of those rolling school bags and he said it was easier carring them. Our department will miss his kindness and friendliness. God Bless you James you were one of the good ones.
Dave Freeman
August 24, 2012
I am very sad to hear of Jim's passing and I will miss him.
I worked with him and would see him a couple of times a year. I knew to ask him the hardest baseball questions I could think of.
He had an amazing knowledge of baseball and stats. He also was a kind and very personable guy.
I remember asking him a question about Ryan Howard and how an article had mentioned that players of his size often had very poor years later in their career. When I asked Jim, he paused for a second, and then, without a hitch rattled off statistics for a long group of players. The last person that Jim mentioned was Frank Howard, one of my boyhood heroes.
I had researched Frank myself and hoped to impress Jim, but even unprepared, he knew all of Frank's stats and connected them to his age.
I laughed and told him I would never look anything up again.
A unique and special guy.
Linda Powell
August 24, 2012
I will miss Jim! He and I had lively conversations on string theory and mathematical modeling for biological systems. On behalf of the Biology Department of Community College my sincere condolences.
August 24, 2012
Hi Charlie, I remember Jim's love of baseball. I remember he would organize stick ball games with the Springfield High school parking lot as the setting. Even later, I'm sure I played on a men's fast pitch league he organized. Me, you, Bob Gianini(?). You pitched.Why do I remember he loved the Houston Colt 45 s when they entered the league?Jim was a wonderful character for me in childhood. I worked at Romig pharmacy, he d come in on a Sunday morning and we d talk about all those lean Phillie Teams of the early 70 s.Hope you are well, Charlie. God Bless JIm.- Jerry de Uriarte [email protected]
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