Mr. James Ladner, age 81, of 82 Lazy Brook Circle, Hallstead, PA., passed away at his home, in Liberty township, Susquehanna Co., PA. on Wednesday morning, July 4,2012 surrounded by his loving family by his side. Mr. Ladner was formally of the Meshoppen area.
Born on Jan. 27,1931 in Wilkes Barre, PA. he was the son of the late Jesse D. and Ruth Oplinger Ladner. James grew up and spent most of his early life in the Meshoppen area.
From 1951 until 1953 he served his country, with the United States Air Force, stationed in Korea.
For over 20 years, he was an auto mechanic at Vitale Ford, in Montrose, PA. retiring in 1988.
James was a life-member of the Gardner-Warner Post #154, American Legion, in Montrose. Very active in his community he was considered the neighorborhood Grandpa, and loved to be surrounded by his family, friends and neighbors.
Surviving is his wife of 49 years, the former Roxann M. Weber Ladner, whom he married on October 20, 1962. He is also survived by his son, Robert (Joanne) Ladner of Montrose, PA. and his daughters, Jody (David) White, of Nicholson; Susan Ladner (Jason Luce) and Shelia Ladner (Jody Luce), all of Hallstead, PA., as well as 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Kathleen Dunbar and Nancy (Robert) Jennings, all of Meshoppen, PA. and Ruthanne Scapillato, of Williamsville, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Jesse Ladner Jr.; Donald Ladner; and Richard Ladner; and two sisters, Betty Brewer and Joan Ladner.
Funeral services will be held on Monday July 9, 2012 at 2:00 PM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, PA. with Rev. Tom Mott of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Overfield Cemetery in Meshoppen, with graveside military services to be conducted by the members of the Gardner-Warner Post #154, American Legion. Family and friends may call at the funeral home, on Sunday July 8,2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers those wishing may make memorial donations to the Heartland Hospice, 38 N. Main St., Pittston, PA.