We are a family owned full service funeral home. Whether you are planning ahead, or in need now, we are here for you.

ABOUT JAMES WILSON

Our Facilities

We take great pride in our facility. It is the largest in Wayne county. For the comfort and convenience of our families and their guests we offer the following:

  • 2 spacious viewing rooms which can seat in excess of 100 visitors each.
  • a paved and fully illuminated parking lot which holds in excess of 100 cars.
  • completely handicapped accessible.
  • Recently remodeled facility including new carpeting, artwork, and state of the art television system to simultaneously broadcast picture presentations throughout the funeral home on one of our four flat panel televisions.  The screens range in size from 65 inches to 46 inches.

Home of Lake Region Crematory, LLC.

Home of Northeast Pennsylvania Pet Cremation Services, Inc


OUR FAMILY AND STAFF

In Loving Memory of:

Milton James, Jr.

March 29, 1951 – June 29, 2014

Milton James, Jr., 63, of Lake Ariel died June 29, 2014 at Commonwealth Hospice at Regional Hospital of Scranton following a brief illness.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Milton and Gwendoline Hopkin James, he was a graduate of Abington Heights, Lackawanna Junior College, and the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, New York, NY. He was a licensed funeral director in the Commonwealth of  Pennsylvania for 40 years. He began his professional career with the Davies & Jones Funeral Chapel where he was a partner and he later purchased the James Wilson Funeral  Home, Lake Ariel where he served as supervisor until his death. He was a member of F. & A.M. Salem Lodge # 330 and Union Lodge # 291.

A man of simple pleasures Milt had few loves in his life other than work. He loved his cottage at Handsome Lake and spending time there. He loved the funeral business and the fact that his sons worked every day with him. But most of all he loved his grandchildren. They provided him with tremendous joy that he proudly exclaimed to whomever would listen.

The family would like to thank Good Shepard Rehabilitation, the staff of Commonwealth Hospice, and Dr. William Dempsey for their compassionate care.

Also, and maybe most importantly, a special thank you to the people of Lake Ariel and its surrounding area for the past 17 years for embracing and loving our family in ways too numerous to mention. We are blessed.

Surviving are sons Christopher and his wife Erin of Jefferson Twp., Brian and his wife Kathleen of Dunmore, and Mark and his wife Brooke of Hawley; grandchildren Grace, Claire, Brian, Edward, Patrick, Margaret, Kathleen, Annie, and Nora; nieces; nephews; numerous friends and colleagues.

 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF:

Thomas Liptak

July 29, 1934 – June 5, 2019

Thomas Liptak, South Canaan, died early Wednesday morning at the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimers. His wife of 63 years is the former Helen Vaverchak.

Born 1934 in Blakley, he was the son of the late Paul and Sophie Wallace Liptak. Tom was a United States Navy veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon leaving the Navy he went to work for the Sikorsky Helicopter Company in Connecticut. Returning back to the area, he worked for PennDOT and retired as a foreman after 25 years of service. In his retirement, he worked for the South Canaan Township on the road crew as well as the James Wilson Funeral Home where he was the “right hand man” and trusted friend of the entire James family.

Tom was a good man who would help anyone in need. He enjoyed traveling, baseball games, and mowing lawns.

He was a member and Past Master of the Waymart Lodge 542 F.&A.M.

Also surviving are children Cynthia Smaniotto and husband Angelo of Jefferson Twp., Debra Falvo and husband Joseph, Thomas Liptak and wife Maria all of South Canaan and Natalie Pontosky and husband James of Lake Ariel; a sister Rose Rotundo and husband John of Beach Lake; grandchildren Anthony Smaniotto and wife Dr. Sarah of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Felicia Zook and husband Dr. Nathan of Milwaukee, WI, Seth Falvo of St. Petersburg, FL , Tyler Liptak and fiancé Amanda Henneforth of Sterling, Pa and Dr. Jordan Liptak and fiancé Jason Gay of Conshocken, Pa; great grandson Asa Smaniotto; several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his infant daughter Nadine and brother Paul.

 

Christopher M. James

Licensed Funeral Director/Owner – A graduate of the Scranton Preparatory School, Wilkes University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature, and Northampton College’s School of Mortuary Science where he earned a degree in Funeral Service Education. He also attended graduate school at the University of Scranton. He is a member of St. Thomas More Church, the Lake Ariel Fire Department, and F. & A.M. Salem Lodge # 330 and Union Lodge # 291 . He and his wife Erin reside in Jefferson Twp., with their daughters Grace and Claire.

 

Brian M. James

Owner – A graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and The University of Scranton where he a earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. He is the President/Manager of Lake Region Crematory at the James Wilson Funeral Home. He is a member of St. Paul’s Parish in Scranton. He and his wife Katie reside in Dunmore with their children: Brian, Jr. Edward, Patrick, Maggie, and Kathleen.

 

Mark Milton James

Owner – A graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and The Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He is the President/Manager of Northeast Pennsylvania Pet Cremation Services, Inc. at the Milton James, Jr. Cremation Center and James Livery Service, LLC. He currently serves Wayne County as the Chief Deputy Coroner. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Community Foundation. He is a member of the Lake Ariel Lions Club,  Paupack Fish & Game Club, Former Board Member & Life Member of the Wayne-Pike Penn State Alumni Association, and F. & A.M. Salem Lodge # 330. He and his wife Brooke reside in Hawley with their daughters Annie and Nora.

 

Robert C. Jones
1940 – 2022
Licensed Funeral Director – A lifelong resident of West Scranton, Pa., graduate of West Scranton High School, Lackawanna Junior College, and McAllister School of Embalming. He was the former owner of Davies & Jones Funeral Chapel, Inc. Scranton. Upon retirement, He joined the staff of James Wilson Funeral Home, Inc. and our branch Vanston & James Funeral Home, Inc., Scranton, Pa. A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he is an Elder, Usher, and serves on the Session Committee.  He is also a member of F.& A.M. Union Lodge 291. He was the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association President in 1980 and District Deputy 1977-1979. He has been a licensed Pennsylvania Funeral Director since 1966. He and his wife Genie reside in West Scranton.

 

Henry W. Roever

Funeral Director/Supervisor

A native of Scranton, Henry now resides in Moosic with his wife, Paula Vanston Roever.  Henry is a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, Lackawanna College and Simmons School of Mortuary Science.  He was the owner of DeGraw Roever Funeral Home in Dunmore for over 30 years and is licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Henry has been active in many community organizations throughout the region.

 

Gerald Getz

Associate – A lifelong resident of Lake Ariel and active member of the community. He is a retired member of the Pennsylvania State Police. He was also a Deputy Sheriff for the Wayne County Sheriffs Department and served as Purchasing Agent for Wayne County Courthouse.  He is a member of Salem Lodge F&AM #330 and a valued member of our staff since 2012. He and his wife Lillian reside in Lake Ariel.

 

William J. Wagner

Associate – A resident of The Hideout, Lake Ariel, Bill is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC and is a retired NYPD Detective. He is an active member of St. Thomas More Parish, having been elected Chairman of both the Pastoral Council and Special Events Committee. He is also very active in the community, being the Vice President of Help A Hero Fund, and  a member of both the Hamlin/Lake Ariel Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus. He and his wife Janice have been married for over 35 years and have two sons, Derick and Christopher.

 

Stephen C. McCune 

Licensed Funeral Director – He is the former owner of McCune Funeral Home in Mountaintop, Pa and has been a licensed Pennsylvania Funeral Director since 1973.

 

Charlie Newcomb

Associate – A resident of West Scranton, Charlie is very active in his community. He is a flag football and little league coach in West Scranton and volunteers with many local charities.

He has been employed in the medical community for nearly 25 years. He is a Senior Clinical Specialist for a national laser company and works in various Operating Rooms throughout the region.

He and his wife, Carri, have three wonderful children; Paige, Ryan, and Alison.

 

James “Sam” Thomas

James “Sam” Thomas is a lifelong resident of West Scranton.  Prior to his retirement Sam was the owner of the James “Sam” Thomas Barber Shop a staple of the West Scranton community for 45 years.

 
 His wife is the former Carol Wheeler and together they are very active in the West Scranton Community as well as Lackawanna County.  They are the proud parents of their son Jimmy and his wife Eva and even prouder grandparents of their grandchildren Lars and Samantha.

OUR LOCATIONS

JAMES WILSON FUNERAL HOME

P.O. Box 7 | 143 Gravity Road |Lake Ariel, PA 18436
(570)698-5811

VANSTON JAMES FUNERAL HOME

1401 Ash Street, Scranton, PA 18510
570-344-2498