James H. Wagner

James H. Wagner, 75, of Minersville, passed away Wednesday afternoon at home.

Born in Frackville, he was a son of the late Kenneth and Jennie Cernosky Wagner.

He attended Frackville schools before joining the Army in 1959. After his honorable discharge in 1961, he transferred to the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania, last serving in 1976.

He worked as a mechanic for Reading Anthracite until becoming disabled. During his employment, he served on the Safety Committee of the United Mine Workers of America, District 2, Hazleton.

Jim enjoyed fishing and camping and spent several years racing stock cars, first at the former Schoentown Anthracite Raceway and later at Big Diamond Speedway.

He was preceded in death by six siblings, Kenneth, Rosalie, Paul and Robert Wagner, Helen Kochol, Shirley Gunderman; and his twin sister, Jean Slackus.

He is survived by four children, James Wagner, Pottsville, Cheryl Wade, Pottsville, Maryann Dixon, Saint Clair, and Tammy Wagner, with whom he resided; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two siblings, William Wagner, Frackville, and Laura Flickinger, Shenandoah; nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dedicated caretaker, Lynn Fekette, Minersville.

Friends may call from 8 a.m. Tuesday until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury St., Minersville. Interment with military honors will be at 1 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township. Visit www.dutcavich.com.

Sign the guest book at

republicanherald.com