James Henry Timko

James Henry Timko, 59, of Scranton, died suddenly on April 2, 2015.  He was the son of the late Bernard and Catherine Finn Timko.

 

Jim is survived by his wife of 26 years, the former Cynthia Anne Staskavage and brother Michael Timko of Hilo, Hawaii and his children and grandchildren.  He will be fondly remembered by his Uncle, Hank Finn of West Islip, NY and many cousins, especially Helen Paegelow of Queens, NY.

 

Born and raised in Queens, Jim’s family moved to Richmondale, PA early in his junior year of high school.  He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1977 with a Bachelors degree in political science.  He earned his Masters in Public Administration in 1980 from Marywood University where an internship at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, PA led to a position as Assistant Hospital Administrator upon graduation.

He was co-owner and co-founder of Career Preparatory Institute in Kingston, PA. where he assisted students of all ages in developing their life, professional and technical skills so they could improve their employment opportunities. 

 

In 1999 Jim began employ with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General as an investigator with the Bureau of Special Investigations.  He served most recently as the Special Assistant to the Inspector General. 


Jim’s interests included a love of travel with family and friends.  Among his many trips most remembered are visits to St. Petersburg, Russia, Madrid, Spain, attending the Triple Crown races in 2013 the 1995 Rose Bowl and achieving a bucket list goal of visiting all 50 states. 

 

Jim was an avid Penn State sports fan and was a football season ticket holder.  He cheered for the NY Yankees.  His love hockey and coffee led to his photo with the Stanley Cup as he stopped in for a quick cup as the Cup made its tour of PA. 


Jim’s concern for the environment was evident in his recycling and home gardening efforts.  Despite his green thumb, and attempts over the last several seasons, he failed to yield sunflowers, Cynthia’s favorite flower.

 

Jim thoroughly enjoyed writing cards out each holiday. His friends and family will miss the cards and notes that he sent for every holiday, especially Pi Day and Chinese New Year.

 

Jim loved animals and supported local humane societies including One Life to Life in Scranton where he recently rescued Shortstop, a nine year old toy poodle.  If you like, donations can be made, in Jim’s name, to this organization. Donations can also be made to The Kiwanis Club of Scranton Charitable Foundation or to the Lou Ruspi Jr. Foundation.

 

His wife would like to recognize the love, friendship and support received from their family, friends, neighbors, employers and colleagues.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday April 11th at 11am in the Immaculate Conception Church on Taylor Ave. in Scranton. 

 

Friends may call Saturday morning  at the church from 10:30 am until time of Mass.


Interment will be private at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Forest City, PA at a later date.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.

 

To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com 

8 Comments

  1. Jim Kanavy

    I have many fond memories of our daily chats over coffee. A tough void to fill. Our sympathy. Jim and Zoe Ann Kanavy

  2. Chris Naples

    You will never be forgotten Jim! My thoughts & prayers to the entire family during this difficult time.
    -Chris Naples

  3. Annie turanoLittle

    Cindy, so sorry to hear about your husband Jim’s death. You are in my prayers. Anne Marie TuranoLittle. (your cousin Michaels wife.)

  4. Mrs. DeSousa

    Cindy, You are in my thoughts and prayers, May Jim be with the Lord Our God
    With my love and prayers.

  5. Pat Steeber

    Cindy,
    I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I worked with him at the OIG in Wilkes-Barre. He was such a pleasure to work with. May the good Lord give you strength during this most difficult time and all the days that follow. You have my most heartfelt sympathy.

  6. Marian Whittington and staff of BenMar Restaurant

    Sincere condolences for you loss

  7. Denise Kwiatek Zabielski

    Cynthia, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My prayers are being offered for you. God bless you. Love, Denise

  8. Rebecca Wolynski (Jenkins)

    I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May god comfort you at this difficult time. Love Becky

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