James Edward "Bubby" Kratz

1946 - 2025

James Edward "Bubby" Kratz, 78, retired Air Force technical sergeant, passed while in the care of Commonwealth Wilkes-Barre General Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on March 19, 1946, he was a son of the late Edward Morgan and Catherine Kratz. James grew up in Plymouth and attended St. Vincent's Elementary, and was a graduate of Plymouth High School.

In 1965, James joined the United States Air Force and started a distinguished 28-year career of service to our country. He was stationed in Germany, France and England. In 1979, he joined the Air Force Reserve at Dover AFB, Delaware, working on F-39 engines. James was awarded several medals and awards for his service and was honorably discharged at the rank of technical sergeant in 2004.

In his civilian life, he worked for Owens-Illinois/Techneglas in the maintenance division, and retired in 2001 after 31 years of service. James also worked part-time at the Wyoming Seminary Lower School for 21 years in maintenance until his retirement in 2022.

James was a faithful member of All Saints Parish in Plymouth and a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Plymouth.

He was a dedicated father, grandfather, and brother to his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed his daily decaf coffee from Turkey Hill, buying two of everything from QVC, college sports and, of course, the Miami Dolphins.

He was preceded in passing by his father, Edward Morgan; mother, Catherine Kratz; and sister, Gloria Shoemaker.

Surviving are his son, James D. Kratz and his wife Brenda, Hanover; daughter, Heather Evan and her life partner Chad Tyk, Larksville; grandchildren: Charles Kratz and Madelyn Evan; sisters: Catherine Bistrichan Sterner and her husband Michael, York; Margaret "Peggy" Bistrichan Warman, Dallas; and Donna Bistrichan Krasavage and her husband Bryon, Edwardsville; along with nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Kielty-Moran Funeral Home Inc., 87 Washington Street, Plymouth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in All Saints Parish, 66 Willow Street. Mass will be officiated by the Rev. Robert Sickler. Interment will be held at a later date in St. Mary's Cemetery, with military honors.