James Joseph "Jim" Paddock

1945 - 2021

James "Jim" Joseph Paddock, 76, of Old Forge and formerly of Avoca, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening at home with his wife and children by his side.

Born in Avoca on Nov. 19, 1945, Jim was the son of the late Edward Sr. and Kathryn (Witkowski) Paddock. A 1963 graduate of the former Cathedral High School, he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Scranton. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army and attended Army OCS before serving in Korea as a first lieutenant. Upon his honorable discharge, he then spent time at the W.B. Veterans Hospital working with disabled veterans.

He then began his 44-year employment with Allied Services, first as rehabilitation counselor program manager before serving for 20 years as the vocational center's day program director. During his time at Allied, he received numerous awards, was instrumental in establishing the first vocational support employment group in Lackawanna County, and built wonderful friendships with his coworkers and staff. Simultaneously during this time, he was able to use his vocational expertise to contribute consultative testimony to Social Security disability offices. He would utilize his experiences to try to help anyone who was ever in need for help with any type of disability.

Married Sept. 4, 1976, Jim and his wife, Diana, celebrated 45 wonderful years of marriage this year. While residing in Old Forge, he was always active in the community, sitting as a member of the zoning board for more than 25 years, chairman for the past two decades. He would always help coach any sport his children were participating in and always be their biggest supporter. He always enjoyed walking the stadium with friends that stemmed from his involvement. He was an avid reader who enjoyed taking on projects to keep his family home beautiful. He enjoyed cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. A planner by nature, he always had a game plan to make the best of everything. Most of all, he loved spending time with his loving wife, children, family and the family dog, Nellie. He was a beloved husband, father and friend who will always be remembered enjoying life's goodness with the ones he loved. His children meant the world to him.

He is survived by his beloved family, including his loving wife, Diana (Dombrowski) Paddock; his children, Kristina DeMarco and husband, C.J. and Michael Paddock and fiancé, Virginia McGregor; brothers, Thomas Paddock and Edward Paddock Jr. and wife, Mary Lou; many nieces and nephews.

A brother, Gerald "Jerry" Paddock, also preceded Jim in death along with his parents.

His family wishes to acknowledge and thank the entire staffs of Hospice of the Sacred Heart; Geisinger Hospital's Cancer Center; and Northeast Radiation Oncology Center for their collective care, kindness and compassion throughout Jim's courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Friday at 11 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with a noon Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann's Basilica, West Scranton. Burial with full military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Moosic.

Family and friends may pay their respects Friday between 9 and 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Please visit the funeral home's website for directions or to leave an online condolence.