James Michael "Jim" Fitzpatrick

We all have but our one life to live; and James Michael "Jim" Fitzpatrick seemed to have nine of them.  Jim certainly lived an extraordinary one filled with laughter, love and family.

James Michael Fitzpatrick, 69, of Dalton, PA, was called home March 3, 2021, as a result of complications, from his courageous battle with cancer.  He was born Michael Frances McHugh, to the late Mary McHugh, in Tuam, Ireland, on May 11, 1951.  He was adopted by his loving parents, the late James and Nettie Fitzpatrick on August 22, 1952.  He was raised in Union, New Jersey with his sister, Eileen Fitzpatrick Dziobak, whom he loved dearly.

Jim and his sister Eileen spent their first years in St. Patrick's Guild in Dublin, Ireland.  Through the grace of God, they were adopted into James and Nettie Fitzpatrick's loving home.  During his youth he performed in Summer Stock Theatre, off Broadway productions, modeled, and was even in a Crest toothpaste commercial.  Jim could play anything on the piano by ear and was naturally gifted in both the arts and athletics.

After high school, Jim attended the University of Scranton, where he met the love of his life, Diane Miluski Fitzpatrick.  Together they raised their three children in Dalton, in the same home, where all five of their grandsons played endless hours of golf, wiffle ball, football and basketball with their "Papa".  He talked about his grandchildren to everyone he met as they were his pride and joy!  He was always the first one to be outside playing with them, taking them for lunch or trying to teach them something new.  He had a passion for reading and learning and was pleased to engage in deep discussions.

Jim was a risk taker and in 1979 he took a big risk on a brand-new company, ESPN.  Jim was an audio engineer with ESPN for over 25 years and during his career, he received two EMMY awards.  He was blessed to travel the entire country and share many special moments with his wife and children, like being able to touch the Stanley Cup and attend the Rose Bowl.  After retirement, he ventured into small business.  He loved being part of Cadden Old Forge Beverage, and most recently Dalton Borough Council.

As an adult, Jim, along with his wife Diane, travelled several times to Ireland in search of his birth mother and family.  On one of their trips Jim finally received the blessing he was searching for, he was introduced to his stepfather Pat McLoughlin, his half-sister Mary McLoughlin, half-brother Andrew McLoughlin and their beautiful families.  Sadly, it was three years shy of his birth mother's passing.  From that day on, they continued to visit one another, share memories and create new ones together.

Jim was most proud of his family and his heritage.  He was his children's and grandchildren's biggest cheerleader and attended every single event possible.  Anyone who knew Jim would tell you what a character he was.  He had a roaring laugh that was contagious, and he would always be the first person to laugh at himself.  Jim always wanted music in the house, often providing it himself.  He was a talented golfer and spent much of his time at Emanon golf club.

Jim gave the best hugs, and a smile or chuckle was easy to come by when in his company.  His sometimes-tough exterior was simply the outer layer of a warm, caring and deeply loving man.  Although Jim will be intensely missed by all those who knew and loved him, he is resting in peace; reunited with his family members and always watching over us.  As a final gift of love, Jim gave the gift of sight as an organ donor.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane; also, by his children Daniel Fitzpatrick (Ashley Mann) Midlothian, VA; Laura Fitzpatrick O'Malley (Trip O'Malley) Dunmore; and Johanna Fitzpatrick Badyrka (Daniel Badyrka) Dunmore; sister Eileen Dziobak (Richard Dziobak); brother Andrew McLoughlin (Theresa McLoughlin); sisters-in-law and brothers in law; grandchildren:  Peyton and Adam Badyrka; Will, Rory and Miles O'Malley; David and Eliza Mann; several nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother Mary McHugh McLoughlin, his parents James and Nettie Fitzpatrick, sister Mary McLoughlin, mother-in-law Eleanor Stine Miluski, and brother-in-law Paul Mackin.

The family would like to thank Dr. Namita Sharma and the entire staff at Geisinger Oncology Lab.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Abingtons by Rev. Arbogaste Satoun. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced and masks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's name, can be made to Our Lady of the Abingtons Church, 700 W. Main Avenue, Dalton, PA, 18414; or to Keystone Mission, 8 W. Olive Street, Scranton, PA 18504.