James Thomas Greer Sr.

James Thomas Greer Sr., 78, of Church Street, Alden, passed away Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.

He graduated from William Allen High School in Allentown.

He proudly served his country and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant from the U.S. Army.

Jim was the founder and proprietor of Sweet Treet Restaurant in Kingston for over 46 years and was happy to serve the Wyoming Valley, including tenants of Daniel J. Flood Towers and local high school and college students. He was a people person who loved talking with his customers and was always willing to help someone in need. Jim enjoyed cooking and entertaining for those he loved and was a friend to many. His annual 4th of July party was something he and his friends and family looked forward to, and was the topic of discussion leading up to and after the party, sometimes years after the party. Jim enjoyed having his grandchildren nearby and enjoyed hearing about their educational achievements and their other interests and activities.

Jim was a lifelong and devoted Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan as shown by the large collection of memorabilia on the wall of Sweet Treet. Jim was always experimenting with new food creations, and one year, to support the Steelers in the Super Bowl, he came up with the giant Big Ben (Roethlis) Burger, which took two people to assemble. He had a great love of animals and enjoyed long walks with his treasured Turbo and Daisey, who he is now reunited with on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Animals seemed to love him as well, this could have been because he could always be found with Pup-Peroni in his pocket, just in case. Jim was active in TNR, helping to control the feral cat population in his community. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, decorating his yard, tending to his fish pond and spending time in his pool.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Jane; father, Brigadier General William S. Greer, U.S. Army, retired; sisters, Sally Marie Williamson and Barbara Searls; and brother, William F. Greer.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen; son, Jim Jr. and his wife, Robin, Wanamie; daughter, Tracy Yakimowicz and her husband, Steve, Kingston; and grandchildren, Olivia, Isabella, Chandler (CJ), Haily and Garrett.

Honoring Jim's request, his family will be opening the doors to his restaurant to bring family and friends together for a celebration. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Sweet Treet Restaurant, 230 Wyoming Ave., Kingston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mureille's Place - A Senior Dog Sanctuary.