James J. Tighe Jr.

Lt. Col. James J. Tighe Jr., 58, passed away Sunday morning at his home.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of James J. Tighe and Alice M. (McGough) Tighe, Scranton.

Jim attended Dunmore Elementary Center and St. Patrick's Elementary School, West Scranton. Jim graduated in the Class of 1982, Scranton Preparatory School ,and upon graduation he, with the guidance of his late uncle, William J. Fiorini, became a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Scranton. He also graduated from Keystone Junior College, LaPlume, later attending the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where he participated in the ROTC program and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Jim served 34 years in the military and received Bronze Star Valor Device (third award), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (third award), Army Commendation (second award), Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three stars, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with award, National Defense Service Medal (second award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forced Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forced Reserve Medal with M Device (third award), NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Parachutist Badge.

Jim was extremely protective, loyal and supportive of his family and friends. He was known among his friends as "GI Jim" because of his strong devotion to his military life. He was intelligent and had a flair for writing. He was kind, giving and understanding of others. He enjoyed being around children and helping people. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and of Notre Dame football. Jim had a great love of his fur babies.

Jim was preceded in death by his twin sisters, Karen and Bridget; paternal grandparents, John T. and Margaret Tighe; and maternal grandparents, James P. and Mary S. McGough.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, were his wife, the former Pamela Charnigo; son, who was the center of his life, Joseph John; brothers, Michael Tighe and wife, Rachel; and Robert Tighe and wife, Jodi, all of Scranton; godmother and aunt, Margaret Fiorini; uncle and aunt, James and Nancy McGough; brother-in-laws, Alan, Rocco, William Calarco and wife, Marie; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

Jim and his son, Joe, had a bond that could never be broken.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe account will be set up for the family or memorial donations may be made to Folds of Honor Foundation, Department 13, Tulsa, OK 74182, or PA Wounded Warriors, 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Condolences may be sent through www.moranfuneral

home.com.