James P. McGovern

James P. McGovern died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, while in the care of River Run Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wyoming Ave., Kingston, following a long illness. He would have been 70 on Oct. 17.

Born in Allentown on Oct. 17, 1950, he was the son of the late James M. and Mary Leona (Brotzman) McGovern.

He attended St. Anne's School, Bethlehem, graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1968 and Mt. St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, Md., in 1972, with a degree in history.

He began his professional career in 1972, with Sears, Roebuck and Company, holding various management positions over the years. He later took employment with The Home Depot, serving as director of installation for the Northeast Division, retiring in 2010.

Mr. McGovern is survived by his children, Sean M. McGovern, Dr. Colleen Duffy (Dr. Thomas) and Brendan J. McGovern, all of Dallas. He was the very proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, including Brigid McGovern (Blake Bardman), James J. McGovern, Connor Martinez, Aidan Martinez, Erica McGovern, Megan McGovern and Erin Duffy. He is also survived by a brother, Dr. Michael J. McGovern (Joann), of Forks Township and a sister, Kathleen A. McGovern, of Fall River, Mass. He is also survived by Elaine McGovern, of Dallas.

Mr. McGovern enjoyed all sports. He owned or co-owned several thoroughbred horses at PARX (formerly Philadelphia Park in Bensalem) and as a former standout high school and American Legion player in his youth, was a lifelong baseball and hockey fan. He was a long-time season ticketholder of the Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation for the loving care and friendship James received from the nurses, aides and staff at River Run in the last few years of his life, but particularly during his last few days.

Funeral services for Mr. McGovern will be conducted on Tuesday with his memorial Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in Saint Anne's Roman Catholic Church, 450 E. Washington Ave., at Easton Ave., Bethlehem, 18017. Inurnment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Saviour Roman Catholic Cemetery, 2575 Linden St., Bethlehem, 18017.

Relatives and friends may join the McGovern family directly at church Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services. Masks will be required and funeral home staff will assist with spatial seating to comply with current regulations.

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., of Wilkes-Barre, are honored to care for our friend, Jim and his family at this time.

To share online words of comfort, perhaps a fond remembrance of Jim, or for directions to his services, please visit his memorial page on our family's website or Facebook page at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com.