James R. Sheehan

James R. Sheehan, 82, of Wilkes-Barre passed away Monday May 12, 2025, at Maple Ridge Nursing Home, Kingston after a brief illness. He was born in Wilkes-Barre to the late Robert and Helen Cunningham Sheehan. James attended G.A.R High school and graduated King's College, class of 1976. Prior to its closing, Jim was the former Director of Operations for Kay Wholesale Drug Company where he supervised over 300 employees, many of whom considered him a great friend. More recently he has bartended in many local taverns and was the attendant at the Water Street Parkade until his retirement.
It is difficult to condense the many lives Jimmy lived into a worded tribute that would serve him any justice. He had childhood aspirations of becoming a priest and served as an altar boy. He took a hard left and was branded a "bad boy" of the 50's, and a free spirit of the 60's. In his twenties, he found the woods and became a passionate waterfowl, bird, and deer hunter, an amateur wildlife photographer, a poetic writer, and a romantic naturalist. He was a collector and a member of Ducks Unlimited. He put himself through night school to earn a degree. In 3 years he went from being a sales trainee to overseeing day to day operations of a pharmaceutical distribution center that operated 24 hours a day, six days a week where he was beloved as a boss. He fell in love more than once. At 40 he became a father and his children became his whole world. Even if he couldn't physically be with them, they consumed his heart. He briefly lived in Florida where he supervised a luxurious golf course and quickly became enthralled with the sport trading in his hunting rifles for clubs and hours of freezing in a duck blind for Palm Beach weather. Before long he was back in NEPA to be near his children. Settled in WIlkes-Barre, he became a fixture at Senunas' Bar, infiltrated their family and enjoyed years of countless laughs, deep conversations, and meaningful connections. Through it all he was a tried and true Philadelphia and Penn State sports fan. He loved music, particularly belters like Aretha and Whitney and his heart melted for any dog but especially the hunting breeds. He was a voracious reader and always lived to learn. He was a vocal activist and ally. He was proud of his Irish heritage but he had the soul of a nomad, seeking truths from the whole world. He listened to people's stories, cherished his friendships, and he lived life in the moment. He was a stoic so he didn't reveal much but you knew when he loved you. And if he knew you, he loved you.
Preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Krokos.
Survived by son, Casey J. Sheehan and his wife Tiffany, Shavertown, daughter, Jessica Sheehan and her fiancé Todd Dervinis, Plains, granddaughters, Riley and Olivia, sister, Lorraine VanWhy and her husband James, Baton Rouge, LA, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025, from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Maple Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and Compassionate Care Hospice.
Online condolences can be made by visiting James's obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com
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