James L. McCloskey

James L McCloskey

Born 1931 in Lycoming County, Pa Deceased 1-26-21 at  Emmanuel Nursing Center in Danville, Pa at 89 years of age.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Beverly (Seiders) McCloskey, his parents Sarah (Liddic) McCloskey, and Leroy McCloskey, and Three sisters.  Doris Peterman 89 yrs of Muncy, Jean Stryker 94 yrs of Oregon, and Catherine Raplee 93 yrs of Oregon.  Additionally, a newborn infant daughter Ann McCloskey born 1968.

James grew up in Montoursville, Pa on Loyalsock Ave and graduated from Montoursville HS.  As a teenager he worked at the Acme Markets on Broad St Montoursville and saved his earnings to buy his first car in cash, a 1949 Chevy.  At Acme, he learned the grocery business and worked his way into management with Acme Markets.  He retired with  23 years of service to pursue owning his own business.

In 1952 James married Beverly Ann Seiders and they built their life together in family life, marriage and business for 46 years until he was parted by Beverly's death in 1998. 

Upon return from their honeymoon he received his draft notice and served as a corporal in the US Army in 1953-54 in France during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged to return to his growing family as part of the baby boomer generation.  

They  built their first house in Montoursville, Pa by mid 1950's on his exiting the military.  After retiring from Acme Markets in 1969, and with patient planning and searching for the perfect business location, his search came to an end as he selected an idyllic farm community town in Turbotville, Pa.   

He moved his family to 46 Main St and maintained this same home for 51 years.  James had a passion to serve and to be his own boss.  In 1969 the first of several building phases of his own grocery store were completed.   The grocery business was first named FoodTown; later Great Value.  

Over the years He employed many family and community members and he helped change the face of Turbotville with the business operating until he sold it in 2002.  The business continues to serve the community to this day for 52 years and has been a place where friends and neighbors regularly greeted one another .

In 2016 James retired from the Board of Directors for the Turbotville National Bank with 20 years of service. 

He also maintained his lifelong membership at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Montoursville, Pa and when he transitioned to Danville, he also attended St Mathews Lutheran Church in Bloomsburg, Pa with his dear friend and companion Helen.  

He leaves two children:  Susan (McCloskey) Stanton of Saratoga, Arkansas and 
Michael McCloskey of Mahanoy City,  Pennsylvania.  
Grandchildren total 8: Gregory, Tyler, Lyndon And Tiffany  Koskey, Melissa Pixley, Mickelle Andrews, Nathan and Wesley McCloskey
Great Grandchildren total: 21
Great Great Grandchildren: 2 
Companion: Helen Penman of Danville

Interment will be at the Montoursville Cemetery alongside his wife Beverly and other family members.

Due to Covid 19 pandemic,  the family will schedule a private memorial service for a future date.

Anyone wishing to address a card of sympathy for the family to view may send it to: 
Susan Stanton, 232 Hwy 32 W, Saratoga, AR  71859

Arrangements are entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home and Cremation Svc, PC, 207 Broadway Street, Turbotville. www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com

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