James F. Kerestes

James "Jim" F. Kerestes, 91, of Hanover Twp., passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 13, 2024, following a brief illness, surrounded by family.

He was the son of the late Andrew Kerestes and Catherine Louise Zoeller Kerestes.

A 1950 graduate of Hanover High School, Jim earned an associate degree in engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in business management from Elmira College.

Jim led a vibrant life living and working around the northeast and in Europe. His career specialized in manufacturing and technology from developing and deploying early computer systems to managing the manufacturing of advanced materials for the aerospace industry and military. He served in positions ranging from engineering foreman to corporation president.

An avid outdoorsman and athlete, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping trips with his brothers, brothers-in-law, nephews and son. A once-committed golfer, he prominently displayed the ball from his first hole-in-one.

His engineer's mindset was ever present as he constantly found new projects to explore. He often would design and develop plans in his spare time - without executing - just to prove a concept would work.

However, his true pride and joy was his family. After decades of living away, Jim returned home to Hanover Twp. with his family in the 1990s. His two children were his most important accomplishments; his grandson the apple of his eye. And his love for his siblings was unending. Jim would say the thing he was most proud of was being a member of the Kerestes family.

Jim is predeceased by his brothers, Andrew Kerestes, John Kerestes and Francis Kerestes; and sisters, Dorothy L. Kerestes Hughes and Jean A. Kerestes Pisaneschi.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Kerestes (Erich Schwarz), Fernandina Beach, Fla.; son, James F. Kerestes II (Erin Williams), Muncie, Ind.; grandson, Kurt Schwarz, Fernandina Beach, Fla.; brothers, Joseph Kerestes Sr. and Robert Kerestes Sr., Hanover Township; several nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at noon Monday in St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 663 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, with a visitation from 11:30 a.m. to service time at the church. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mathew's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre, where Jim was a life member.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Family Funeral Service Inc., Wilkes-Barre.