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ABOUT VANSTON JAMES

Robert C. Jones, FD

 

Robert “Bob” C. Jones, F.D., West Scranton, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma surrounded by his loving family.  His wife of 56 years is the former Genevieve “Genie” (Talarico) Jones.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late of Emrys Jones and Ruth Hubbard Jones and was a graduate of West Scranton High School in 1958.  He enlisted in the United States Navy and served active duty on the USS Chilton, APA -38, and an additional four years of Naval Reserve service in Philadelphia, PA.  Following his active duty military service, he earned an Accounting Associates Degrees from Lackawanna College in 1962 and another Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1964 from the McAllister School of Embalming.

He became a licensed Funeral Director in 1966, entering into business with his father at Davies and Jones Funeral Chapel, Inc. where he remained for 42 years until 2008.  After a brief retirement, he joined the Vanston and James and James Wilson Funeral Homes where he served as the General Manager of the funeral homes.

Robert was an active member and past president of many civic organizations in the community, including both the Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania State Funeral Director’s Association, the St. David’s Society, the Lions Club of Scranton and other civic organizations.  He was a 50+ year member and Past Master of Union Lodge, #291, Free and Accepted Masons, Scranton, PA.  He was particularly proud of being a member and elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church and the USS Chilton Association.

Bob was an avid Yankees fan, loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed hosting holidays, summer picnics and pool parties at his home with family and friends.  While humble of his own civic activities, he took pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. He was a true professional throughout his 55+ years as a funeral director in Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, serving thousands of families with compassion and understanding.

He is also survived by his children Alyssa Jones, Scranton, Daniel Jones and wife Jennifer, Covington Twp., and Pamela Trovato and husband John, Morristown, NJ;  his beloved grandchildren, Ava Rose Jones, Scranton, Harlie and Jolienne Jones, Covington Twp., and Elio and Luca Trovato, Morristown, NJ;  his sister, Beverly Casey, Goose Creek, SC; brothers in law Thomas and August Talarico and their families; several cousins and nephews; numerous colleagues and friends.

Bob was also preceded in death by his brother in law Thomas Casey; mother in law Rose Talarico; sister in law Connie Talarico.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23rd  at Noon in the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave, Scranton.  Masonic Funeral Services will be held prior to the beginning of the religious service.

Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning from 11am until the commencement of services.

Interment, Private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in honor of Robert may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William St., Dunmore, PA 18510, http://www.hospicesacredheart.org/

 

Christopher James, President and Supervisor

A native of Scranton, Chris is a graduate of the Scranton Preparatory School, Wilkes University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature as well as Northampton College where he earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service Education. He also attended graduate school at the University of Scranton. He has earned accreditation with the American Board of Funeral Service Education.

Proud to serve families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania with his brothers Brian and Mark, Chris also serves as the president of the James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel, PA and a principle in the both the Lake Region Crematory and the Northeast Pennsylvania Pet Crematory.

Active in the community, Chris has held numerous board positions with various civic, fraternal, educational and religious organizations including The Foundation Board of ST. Joseph’s Center, the Scranton Preparatory School, the Immaculate Conception Church Parish, ST Thomas More/ST Mary’s Parish and the Pacer Aquatic Club.

He and his family are active and dedicated members of the Immaculate Conception Church Parish and the ST Thomas More/ST Marys Parish.  He resides in Jefferson Township, PA with his wife Erin and their two daughters Grace and Claire.

Brian James, Associate/Owner

Brian is 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 James, Associate/Owner

A graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, Mark also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from The Pennsylvania State University. 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 is the Wayne County Chief Deputy Coroner. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Community Foundation. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hawley, Lake Ariel Lions Club, Paupack Fish & Game Club, 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.

Henry W. Roever, Funeral Director

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.

Charlie Newcomb, Unlicensed Associate

A resident of the Green Ridge section of 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.  Charlie is the Care  coordinator and director of a local Home Care Agency in Scranton.

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

James “Sam” Thomas, Unlicensed Associate

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