James P. McDermott Sr., age 81, of Plymouth Twp., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, January 3, 2025 at his home.

Born January 23, 1943 in Plymouth Twp., he was the son of the late James P. McDermott and Mary Skubanicz McDermott. He was a graduate of Harter High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wilkes College. Jim was a member of All Saints Parish, Plymouth, and a former member of St. Vincent’s Church. He was a veteran serving with the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Jim was the owner and operator of McDermott’s Appraisal Service, Plymouth Twp., for over 50 years. Following retirement, he was employed by Wyoming Valley West Transport.

Outside his professional life, Jim was very active with youth sports throughout the area. He will be remembered by many as their youth baseball or basketball coach. In past years, he helped coach his grandson, Kevin, on his Little League team, the Hanover Yankees. James was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan and was a member of the Plymouth Twp. Recreation Association, serving in all aspects of the organization. He was also a member of the Holy Child Father’s Club, Plymouth.

Jim found joy in tending to his yard, spending countless hours gardening and maintaining the landscape around his home. He also enjoyed playing the lottery.

Above all, Jim loved his family dearly. They have many happy memories together of spending long summer days at Moon Lake. He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, who will always remember him for showing up for all of their sporting events. He always made it to their games not matter the occasion and could often be found standing directly behind the batting cage.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Zackary Smith, and infant brother, Michael McDermott.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Dorothy Soboleski. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on February 17.He is also survived by his children, Karen Schinski (Kevin), Plymouth Twp., James “Jim” McDermott Jr., Nanticoke, Doreen McDermott (Jesse Smith), Lake Silkworth, Jason McDermott (April), Ardmore, Pa, and John McDermott (Stephanie), Hummelstown, Pa; grandchildren, Kevin J. (Rachael), Kayley, Kendell and Kassie Schinski, Aiden James Murphy, Spencer and Parker Smith, Emma, Isabelle, Onnah and Uliza McDermott, and John Jr. and Jackson McDermott; great granddaughter, Brynly Schinski; sister, Mary Ann McDermott Pallis; very dear cousin; and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 10, at 11 a.m.in All Saints Parish, Plymouth. Interment will be in St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, Larksville.

Friends may call on Friday morning from 10 a.m. until mass time at All Saints Parish, Plymouth. Arrangements are entrusted to the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, Plymouth.

Jim’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. David Greenwald and the nurses and staff at Medical Oncology Associates, as well as the nurses and staff at Allied Services Hospice Center, Wilkes Barre, for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions, if desired, may be made in Jim’s memory to the Prescription Assistance Fund at Medical Oncology Associates (mail to: MOA Rx Fund, 382 Pierce St., Kingston, Pa 18704) or to All Saints Parish, Plymouth.

To submit online condolences to Jim’s family, please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com.