James E. Shoemaker, Waverly Twp., died Monday 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.
A memorial service will be held at future date.
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.
Judy Senker
Dear Janine and Family, Rich and I are so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. You are in our thoughts during this sad time.
Love and Sympathy
Judy and Rich Senker
Stuart, Florida
William Shoemaker
Dear Janine: Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time. I loved Jim and am saddened by his passing. Bill and Candy 1108 Mcsherry Court, Chesapeake Va 23322 5706061503 Let me know if I can be of any help. fdrman@aol.com
Bob and Dorothy Moher
Janine and Family- Bob and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Charles mercado
Sorry for your loss my uncle Jimmie
Kamryn Tsikalas
Dear grandma i love you and right now i am away but i am thinking of you and grandpa as i am away i am just trying to get better for you , and i know hes looking down on me supporting me with my choice of getting better. I did this for myself but not only him . i love you and i miss you we will talk soon.
LOVE,
miss kam kam