James B. Richards

James B. Richards, 69, of Newton Twp., died Tuesday evening at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Dunmore. His wife is the former Jean Malesky. The couple celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on July 8.

Born Jan. 8, 1945, at home in Newton Twp., son of the late Frank E. and Frances Hunt Richards, Jim was a 1962 graduate of Newton High School and a charter member of the Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company, where he was an active member for 53 years in the ambulance group as an EMT and firefighter. He served as fire chief and first aid captain. Jim's upbeat personality was contagious making him a role model for young volunteers, always helpful, encouraging and supportive. Before retirement, he worked as a technician for 39½ years at Procter & Gamble in Mehoopany. After retiring in 1997 he worked part-time for Allied Services as a van driver for both Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. He really enjoyed this job, especially helping the people he transported.

Jim was a hard worker, always providing for his family by working several jobs; he was a friend to everyone he met, and always had time for a conversation. His winning smile will be missed by all who knew him.

Also surviving are his daughters, Dawn Napora and companion, Ron Campbell; Lori Harris and husband, Robert; Debra Richards and husband, Jonathan Cordell; grandchildren, Christine and her fiancé, Josh Eremo and his daughter, Mckaelyn; Kimberly and David Lavelle, James and Garrett Harris, Hope and Sophia Richards-Cordell; former son-in-law, John Napora and daughter, Alyssa; two brothers, Ken and his wife, Donna; and Roger and his wife, Cathy; seven sisters, Lucy Edwards, Dorothy Edwards, Ginger Thomas; Marilyn Mirabelli and her husband, John; Carolyn Landsiedel; Joyce LaRue and her husband, Steve; Sharon Edwards and her husband, Mike; nieces and nephews, near and dear to him.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Chester Morris; and a sister, Jean Betress Evaskitis.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Kondash, Dr. William Heim, Charlie Lubach, Brenda and the countless staff at the Hemotology and Oncology Center for the dedicated care extended to Jim during his nearly four-year battle with cancer. They would also like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit for their wonderful care in the final week of his life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 10 a.m. from the Church of St. Benedict, 1800 Newton Ransom Blvd. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Church of St. Benedict. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William St., Dunmore, PA 18512; or the Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company., 1890 Newton Ransom Blvd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home.