Coal Township - James F. Valania, 69, of 381 Hickory Ridge Road died suddenly Monday, November 20, 2017 after being stricken ill at home.

Born in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville on August 17, 1948 he was a son of the late Frank and Olga (Dumchock) Valania.

James lived in the family homestead in Hickory Ridge and was employed as a middle school math teacher at Shamokin Area School District from 1971 until his retirement; after retiring from teaching he went on to work at Knoebel's Grove Amusement Resort.

He and his significant other, Darlis Tasker have been together for the past thirty years.

James attended St. Anthony's School in Ranshaw and was a member of the first graduating class of Shamokin Area High School in 1966, he earned a Bachelor of Education Degree at Bloomsburg State College in 1971.

He was a member of the Church of the Holy Angels in Kulpmont, formerly a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Church in Marion Heights.  He was a member of the American Legion of Kulpmont, PSEA, PSEA-R, NEA-R, SAEA-R (Shamokin Area Educators Association - Retired) and Salem Seniors.

James served with the US Army Reserves of Williamsport, having been stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Survivors include the love of his life Darlis Tasker and her son Rich Tasker and his wife Nicole and their children, Channing & Sutton who called Jim "Pop Pop", two brothers, Ronald Valania and Robert Valania & his wife Rose; two nephews, Greg Valania and his wife Susan and their children, Evelyn and Emersyn; and Jeff Valania and his wife Joy and their children, Ella, Riley and Quinn as well as many cousins.

FUNERAL NOTICE

James F. Valania, 69, of 381 Hickory Ridge Road, Coal Township - Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 11:00 am in the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott Street, Kulpmont with Father Andrew Stahmer, officiating.  Burial will be in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, Marion Heights.  Viewing will be held Saturday morning from 9:00 - 10:45 with transferal prayers at 10:00 in the C.J. Lucas Funeral Home, Inc., 1053 Chestnut Street, Kulpmont, C.J. Lucas, Supervisor.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the donor's charity of choice.  To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com