William H. James

William H. James, 99 years young, of West Scranton, passed away peacefully Thursday evening after a brief illness. His wife, the former Eleanor A. Gaeton passed away March 20, 2009. The couple had been married for 62 years.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late John and Neola Davies James and was a graduate of the former Scranton Technical High School. Prior to retirement, he was a supervisor at US Textiles Machine Company and also worked for the Scranton School District.

Bill was a true gentleman of the greatest generation. He would go out of his way to help anyone. He was a member and elder of Bethania Presbyterian Church. He loved his Lord and Savior, his Country and the Boston Red Sox, and most of all his family. He truly loved his children and grandchildren, and adored and cherished all of his great grandchildren. He was a great lover of music and was known to spend afternoons listening to his favorite CD’s and mixtapes of classic big band, swing and some jazz along with the great American songbook. He and the love of his life, his wife of over 60 years, Eleanor, would command attention on any dance floor in the area, making people stop and admire the grace and ease of their gliding as one across the dance floor and usually ending with some applause.

He was a proud veteran of the US Army and served in World War II. He was a member of headquarters battery 778th Anti-aircraft artillery automatic weapons battalion. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious Service in Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany in World War II. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Mary Ann McDonald and Sandee, and Dr. Roger Getts for their kindness and great care over the years. Also, the staff and residents of Jackson Heights for all of their love and caring and for being such good friends. It is with true comfort that the family knows that the last member of a generation is being welcomed home by his parents and siblings, the music is playing, the singing has begun and you can bet a “rug is being cut” as we celebrate and reminisce about a life filled with love. 

Surviving is a son, William, Jr. and wife Mary Beth, Scranton and a daughter, Elaine Yanisko and husband George, Olney, MD.

Grandchildren, Emily Maloney and husband Patrick, William James, III and wife Tara, James Yanisko and wife Hanna and Michael James and wife Alisha. Great grandchildren, Samuel, Andrew, Gracelyn and Sydney James. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by siblings, Richard, John, Warren, Robert, Delbert, Lillian, Jane, Dorothy and Shirley.

Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s favorite charity or perform a random act of kindness in Bill’s memory.

Private services were held on Wednesday at Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, 157 S. Main Ave., Scranton. Carl J. Savino, Jr., supervisor.

Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

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