James Devereaux Ross

James Devereaux Ross, 94, of Clarks Summit, died Sunday at Hospice Community Care after a brief illness. He and his wife, the former Helen Purdy, would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in March.

Born in Scranton in 1913, son of the late James and Maude Devereaux Ross, Jim was a graduate of Central High School. Before entering the Army, he opened and operated Ross Office Supply. During World War II, he was sent to the first Army radar school and was then stationed on an island off Sitka, Alaska. Upon return from World War II, he was assistant treasurer for Capitol Records. He then opened Scranton Office Supply Co. After retirement, he worked for Reynolds Brothers.

Jim was proud of obtaining the Life Scout designation in the Boy Scouts of America and thoroughly enjoyed his 10 years of coaching at the Abington Little League. He was a member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Scranton Kiwanis Club and the Scranton Canoe Club.

On Wednesday, Jim was recognized for his outstanding service to the Clarks Summit-South Abington Sewer Authority as an originating member, chairman for 15 years and more than 40 years of service to the community.

Jim was a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit and was proud to have been born the year the church was built, 1913. The family would like to thank the Rev. Bill Carter, Hospice Community Care and Sacred Heart Hospice for their loving care.

Jim had a great sense of humor and loved to smile and laugh. He always had a joke to tell. He looked forward to April Fools' Day. Jim enjoyed big band music, which he sang to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling; he and his wife went on several cruises, explored most of Pennsylvania and loved the Thousand Islands.

Also surviving are two sons, James Ross, Ponte Vedra, Fla.; and David Ross, Chinchilla; a daughter, Nancy Ware and husband, Harry, Dalton; six grandchildren, Tami Thompson and husband, Robert; Rosey Ware; Jaime Outten and husband, Matt; James Robert "J.R." Ross, David Ross and Katie Ross; two great-grandchildren; Sophie and Aidan Thompson; and a sister, Betsey Jones, Waverly.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Joanie Huber Ross.

A memorial service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit, with the Rev. Bill Carter officiating.

Friends may call Wednesday, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Community Care, William Street, Dunmore; or the donor's favorite charity.