James E. Shoemaker, Waverly Twp., died Monday, March 16, 2020 in the Geisinger Community Medical Center after being stricken ill. His wife is the former Janine Dettenmayer.
Born 1944 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Eleanor Spencer Shoemaker and attended Scranton Schools and earned an associate degree in criminal justice from King’s College.
Jim was a proud member of the Scranton Police Department for 15 years, earning many commendations throughout his career. He was proud to be the first Scranton police officer to earn a diploma from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy for Municipal Police. He was also an original member of the city’s first undercover vice unit known as the K-Squad. Known as K-1, Jim was extremely proud of his work which he did “his way.” He was a United States Navy veteran.
Jim was a wonderful husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, uncle and friend. He loved music, especially Elvis and Roy Orbison. He also loved cars, especially classic Fords. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabin at Pecks Pond teaching all his grandchildren to fish.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the Geisinger CMC’s ICU staff and the first responders who attended to Jim. Their care and efforts will forever be remembered.
Also surviving are daughters Linda Paone and her husband Dominick of Clarks Green, Janine Tsikalas and her partner Ronald Urban, Jr. of Taylor, Cynthia Shoemaker and her partner Michael Link of Dickson City and Jamie O’Niel and her husband Brandon of Madison Twp; a sister Barbara Ivanish of Lodi, NJ; brothers William and his wife Candace of Virginia and Leslie and his wife Bobbie of Exeter, PA; an uncle Gene Shoemaker, Scranton; grandchildren Kaitlyn Shoemaker, Karli Urban, Mariah Paone, Mia Paone and Kamryn Tsikalas; two great grandchildren Atticus and Eloise Walsh; several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by sisters Eleanor Davis, Patrice Montaro and Nancy Martarano; brothers Wilson and Thomas.
All CDC guidelines including the mandatory use of facial coverings and proper social distancing will be strictly enforced. Please be prepared to pay your respects in a timely manner. Temperature checks will also be given upon entering the funeral home.
A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11am in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Friends may call Saturday from 10am until time of service.
Military honors will be rendered.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or to the donor’s favorite charity.
To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vanston and James Funeral Home and are under the care and direction of the Robert C. Jones, Funeral Director.