James J. Dolan III

James J. Dolan III, 72, of Scranton, died Monday evening at Allied Services Hospice Center, Scranton. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen Mills Dolan.

Born in Peckville, son of the late James J. Dolan Jr. and Rose Bordo Dolan, he attended Scranton public schools and would fine tune his natural mechanical skills at the Johnson School of Technology. Before embarking on a successful, 50-year career fixing vehicles and most anything, he answered the call to duty, honor and country during the height of the Vietnam War. Between 1967 and 1972, Jim endured two tours of duty in the jungles of Southeast Asia as a combat medic with the United States Army, having received his medical training at Keller Army Community Hospital, West Point, and at Valley Forge General Hospital.

Intensely and quietly proud of his service, Jim was a highly decorated veteran, having received medals for Vietnam Service with 60 Device, Vietnam Campaign, Good Conduct, the First Award, and Marksmanship, as well as two Overseas Tour Bars.

Back home, his strong hands and assorted wrenches went to work at Gronski Enterprises, where he was a trusted and appreciated employee for more than 20 years. Later, he operated his own shop, Dolan Service Center, in the Green Ridge section, where he treated his customers honestly and fairly. Before retirement, working for the City of Scranton Department of Public Works, he fixed police cars, garbage trucks and the rest of the municipal fleet for more than a decade.

Jim worked hard. He played hard, too. A talented drummer, with a love for music a mile wide, he was the power behind the drum kit of several local bands, notably, Nature's Way, and he was the first drummer for Billy Sullenberger's legendary "Rolling Stones Show" band. Throughout his musical career, he was a proud, card-carrying member of the local chapter of the Musician's Union.

Jim loved being outdoors. Count camping and campfires among favorite pastimes. He relished the peace and solitude fishing afforded, and he cared for the environment and animals.

Well socialized, he treasured his many friendships at the General Theodore J. Wint, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 25. Of Irish heritage, and proud of it, his gift of gab often resulted in epic storytelling, some of it true. Jimmy Dolan was the life of our party.

The family extends its deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staffs at the VA in Wilkes-Barre and at Regional Hospital, Scranton, for their compassionate care.

He is survived by three sons, James J. Dolan IV, and wife, Mary, Carbondale, Shawn Dolan and wife, Linda, Scranton, and Jason Dolan and fiancé, Karissa Nykaza, Scranton; a brother, Dennis A. Dolan, Scranton; three sisters, Linda Marhelski, and husband, Walter, Throop, Frances Dolan and Danny Slaughter, Scranton, and Gina Valente, Scranton; a dear friend, Charlie Meckwood, Carbondale; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a furry best-buddy, Toto; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister, Mitch and Melissa; a grandson, Tanner; a nephew, Edward Dolan; and brothers-in-law, Johnny and Jim Mills.

The funeral will be conducted Wednesday, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 320 William St., Scranton. Family and friends may pay their respects at the church from 9:15 a.m. until time of service. Masks required and social distancing observed at the church. Interment, with full military honors, 11:15 a.m., Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org or, to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411.

Arrangements, Edward Knight O'Donnell Funeral Home LLC, 323 William St., Scranton.