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Obituaries » James M. McDermott September 21, 2023 James M. McDermott September 21, 2023 James M. McDermott, 78, of Laflin, passed away on Thursday morning, September 21, 2023, at Wesley Village Rehabilitation Center, Jenkins Township. Jim was born in Avoca, a son of the late Francis J. and Margaret McDermott. He was a 1962 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Kings College and his master’s degree in Science from Marywood University. He was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin and a former member of St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes-Barre, where he served as the Director of Religious Education. Jim was also a member of St. Conrad’s Young Men’s Society, Wilkes-Barre Jim enjoyed a fulfilling career in the Diocese of Scranton that spanned 50 years. In 1967, he began teaching at St. Aloysius School, Wilkes-Barre. He then went on to teach at Bishop Hafey High School in Hazelton and St. Paul’s School in Scranton, where also served as Principal. Prior to his retirement, he taught for many years at Bishop Hoban High School and Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, where he also served as Vice Principle of Students and Director of Religious Formation. Jim’s legacy was his deep passion and commitment to Catholic Education, which he instilled in thousands of students over the years. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Michael F. McDermott and his sister-in-law, Rosemarie P. McDermott. Surviving is his brother, Thomas M. McDermott and his wife, Marilyn, Plains Township; niece, Erin Kozich and her husband, Dave; nephew, Kelly McDermott; four grand-nieces; two grand-nephews; numerous friends and colleagues and his dear friend, Tom Winarski. A Celebration of Jim’s life will begin with a visitation on Friday from 5-7 pm at St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 am in St. Maria Goretti Church. Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Condolences may be made by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.James M. McDermott
