James P. Reap

James P. Reap

May 16, 2015

James P. Reap, Green Ridge section of Scranton, died Saturday at home. His wife of 55 years is the former Ann Schmieg.  

Born in Scranton, son of the late Joseph and Catherine Mulderig Reap and stepson of the late Alice Fagan Reap, he was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Scranton as well as a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. He held a license in clinical social work. He was well known in the social work profession and noted for his many accomplishments in his field. Before his retirement, he had been employed by the Social Security Administration. He was instrumental in establishing the Bachelor of the Social Work Program at Marywood University, where he was an adjunct professor for many years. He also was a psychotherapist at Friendship House, where he developed the outpatient/evening and weekend program. He oversaw the building and operations to the Lynett Village at Allied Services. He was a member of St. Paul’s Parish, Scranton.  

He had many professional affiliations, including being a board member of Lackawanna County Intellectually Disabled Children’s Association and a member of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health Advisory Committee. 

Known as Party Jim, he was a loving husband, father, Poppy and great-grandfather and the rock and heart of our family. 

Surviving are his children, John and his wife, Kathy, Dickson City; Kathleen Crofton and her husband, Robert; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Reap; Maureen Shea and her husband, Paul; James Jr. and his companion, Mirahi Noldy; and Brian and his companion, Renee Klitch, all of Scranton; a sister, Patricia and Al Powell, Paradise; a brother, Joseph and Judy Reap, Laflin; a brother-in-law, Joseph Coleman, Scranton; grandchildren, Tara Hogan, Robert Crofton, Daniel Reap, Dylan Reap, Michelle Reap, Kaycee Crofton, Kelly Reap, Paul Shea, Colin Reap, James Reap III, Kathryn Shea, Connor Reap, Christopher Reap and Martin Crofton; a great-granddaughter, Cecilia Hogan; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by beloved family members, a son, Kevin P.; granddaughters, Grace Ann and Jessie Reap; a grandson, Kevin P. Reap Jr.; and a sister, Alice Coleman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church, Penn Avenue, Scranton. All attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St., Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.