James Newell

James C. Newell, 78, of Harveys Lake, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore.

Born at home, on Dec. 17, 1946, Harveys Lake, he was the son of the late Hiram and Alice (Kraft) Newell.

Jim graduated from Lake Lehman High School, Class of 1964. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam era, stationed in Germany, until he was honorably discharged. He continued his education after service in the electrical field at Wilkes-Barre Vo-Tech, achieving his certification. He went on to work for Tom Ash Plumbing and Heating and spent several years as a foreman for Ralph Stogoski & Sons. He began his career at Procter & Gamble in 1980 and worked as an electrician in the E&I department until his retirement in 2003.

Jim loved to travel and explore with the love of his life, his wife, Donna. They traveled across the states in their motor home, being members of Thousand Trails, Sam's Club and FMCA RV clubs. The memories they made will be cherished forever. They spent several years as snowbirds in Florida as well. He was always there to help anyone in need; he could build or fix anything. He enjoyed tinkering with electric trains and never missed doing the daily word puzzle.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by sisters, Eleanor Eastwood, Mary May, Joan Ely; and brothers, Theodore Newell, Richard Newell, Edward Newell and Thomas Newell.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, the former Donna Kocher; and their two children, son, James C. Newell and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Cyr, Horsham, Pa.; and daughter, Sherrie J. Waslick and her husband, Vince, Shavertown, Pa..; and grandchildren, Caleb Waslick, Zakary Waslick, Orion Newell, Sienna Newell, Aislyn Newell, Kaylee Newell. Not to be forgotten, his best buddy, Dawson the doxie.

Jim was grateful and blessed to be a lung transplant survivor for nearly 10 years. He received his gift of life on Dec. 29, 2015, at Temple University. He could not have done it without the love of his life, Donna, being by his side, managing, nursing and loving him through those 10 amazing years. The additional time has been priceless for his family. We encourage and support organ donations (#donatelife #giftoflife). The Gift of Life House and Temple University were amazing supports during this time. We also would like to thank the services from the VA Wilkes-Barre Medical Center who provided any needs necessary, and in the final months we thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Griswold Agency, respite aids Stephanie & Linda.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. Interment with military honors will follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Memorial donations may be made to Gift of Life House, Philadelphia.