James B. Palmer

James B. Palmer, 76, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026 at Geisinger Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the only child of the late James Palmer and Marion Whitehouse Palmer. Raised in Clarks Summit and educated at Abington Heights High School (class of 1968) and Keystone College, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and played first chair trumpet in the high school band, where his friends affectionately called him "Satchmo". He was an extraordinary artist with a special talent for pen-and-ink drawings.

Jim worked hard his entire life. He started as the manager of the Ryah House and the Upper Crust and later went on to open Palmer's Botany and Baskets Florist with his former wife Maureen (Marnie) O'Dea Palmer. To say he was amazing at designing flower arrangements is an understatement.

Jim was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, husband, and friend. He was there for anyone at anytime no matter how busy his own life was at that moment. He cared for Marnie when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease as he had cared for her most of his life. He found so much joy in spending time with his family. They meant the world to him and he meant everything to them.

Jim delighted in watching his grandchildren grow and play sports. He truly was their biggest fan. He loved working on his yard, relaxing on his front porch with his dog, Max, socializing with everyone he saw, and going to the beach.

Jim is survived by his three daughters, Courtney Comerford (Matthew), Scranton; Morgan Long (Clint), Montrose; Whitney Armbruster (Jack), Clarks Summit; and eight grandchildren, Madelyn Wanchisen; Quinn, Teagan, Caden, and Liam Long; Angelo and Sophia Santoro, and Ainsley Armbruster. He is also survived by his former wife Maureen Palmer, sister-in-law Mary O'Dea, and brother-in-law Sean O'Dea, nephews, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Katherine O'Dea VanDeusen and brothers-in-law Dennis O'Dea, and Patrick (Packy) O’Dea.

Friends may call at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit on Sunday, October 18, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

A funeral service will be celebrated by Pastor Adam Miller on Monday, October 19, at 10:00 A.M. at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church, 1310 Morgan Hwy., Clarks Summit, with interment in Fairlawn Cemetery, Dalton.

Although Jim loved flowers and spent countless hours perfecting beautiful arrangements, we ask that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 90611, Washington, D.C., 20090-6011 or Alzheimer's Association