James Lawrence "Jim" Gruver

James Lawrence Gruver, 78, of Ashley, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2023, with his wife, JoAnne and stepdaughter, Alicia, at his side.

Born in Luzerne, he was a son of Fred and Anna Kachurick Gruver, of Courtdale.

Jim's grandson, Luke, summed up the true character of his Pop Pop in a plaque he gave him that hangs on his travel trailer.

The man, the myth, the legend

Jim spent 40-plus years working a job he loved at A. Pickett Construction. Recently, one of his fellow co-workers and friend sent a text describing him as "Rough and tough with the heart of a Teddy Bear." He spent any free time he had renewing and repairing items for whomever needed him. Sometimes the repair seemed impossible, but Jim always found a way and earned the nickname "Macgyver." Jim's passions were hunting at Red Rock Mountain and camping and fishing at Keen Lake in Waymart.

Regarded as a "Grandpa" to many of the neighborhood and Keen Lake children, one could always find him fixing a broken toy or a chain on their bike. He taught many of them to ride a bike and watched them when they wanted him to see their accomplishments. But he was especially proud of his title "Pop Pop" and treasured the memories of the 21 years he spent with his grandson, Luke.

He was the source of strength and the rock and foundation of his family and will be overwhelmingly missed. He was JoAnne's best friend and the love of her life.

Jim was a member of George M. Dallas Lodge 531, Dallas.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Donald; daughter, Jodi Lynn; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Watkins, James Brennen and Michael Potsko.

He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnne; his son, James Jr. (Beth), Dallas; his stepdaughter, Alicia Derwin (Mike), Nanticoke; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Betty Ann Watkins, Dallas, Pat Brennan, Swoyersville; brother-in-law, Edward Gaughan (Ellen), Orleans Mass.; sister-in-law, Elaine Potsko (Erica), Ashley; and nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Donations can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of his daughter, Jodi Lynn Gruver.

Arrangements are from George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, Ashley.