James A. Sands, age 84, of Laceyville, PA passed away on Wednesday morning, July 8, 2026 at the Tunkhannock Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Tunkhannock, PA.

Born in Charleston, Maryland on March 14, 1942, he was the son of the late Emerson and F. Annabelle Durland Sands, Sr.

During high school, James would develop the determined work ethic that would serve throughout his life, working on the farms of Skinny Barto and Elston Mowry. After graduating from Wyalusing High School with the class of 1960, he gained employment as a laborer for PennDOT. It was during this time that James would marry the love of his life, Joanne “Jody” Repsher on July 9, 1960 at the Mill City Church. He then took a job driving truck for Dutch Repsher in 1963. James would remain with Dutch for nearly 20 years before purchasing Repsher’s Garage from his in-laws in 1982 and renaming it J&J Sales and Service. James spent the next 20 years ensuring the area’s residents had a trustworthy and reliable place to go when it came to their vehicle’s needs before his retirement in 2024.

When not rescuing the stranded residents of Bradford and Wyoming Counties, James kept himself busy with family and spending time participating in activities outdoors. He loved spending time with his granddaughter and great-grandchildren, whether he was following them around as they participated in various sports or giving his granddaughter a ride on his wrecker. James was also a competitor who could often be found on the ball field playing modified softball or in the woods riding quads or hunting. He was also an avid fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants, and was a member of the Roman LeRay Franklin Masonic Lodge #418, formerly the Franklin Lodge #263, for over 50 years.

Along with his beloved wife, James is survived by his son, Jeffery Sands (Laurie) of Laceyville, PA; his granddaughter, Joy Howell (Christopher) of Mehoopany, PA; his great grandchildren, Nicole, Michaela, and Curtis James Howell of Mehoopany, PA; his sisters, Shirely Proof of California and Donna Etheridge of Kentucky; and his brothers, Larry Olmstead and Stanley Sands (Debra) of Tunkhannock, PA. He is also survived by his sister-in law, Rose Repsher.

Joining his parents in preceding James in death is his great granddaughter, Victoria Rose Howell (d. April 24, 2012); his brothers Jack Olmstead (d. 1981), David Olmstead, Robert Sands, and Emerson Sands, Jr., and Wayne Sands, Sr. (d. January 4, 2016); and his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sands and Nancy Sands.

A Funeral Service for James will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, 459 Main St., Laceyville, PA 18623 with Reverend Charles Bishop officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, July 13, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Masonic Service will take place on Monday at 7:45 PM and be conducted by members of the Roman LeRay Franklin Masonic Lodge #418. Committal will follow the Funeral Service on Tuesday and take place at the Lacey St. Cemetery with Reverend Richard Camp officiating.

James’ family would like to offer their gratitude to the staffs at the Tunkhannock Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and Compassionate Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ name to the Laceyville Goodwill Fire Company, 437 E. Main St., Laceyville, PA 18623 c/o Courtney Salsman.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.