James P. Varaitis, Sr.

James P. Varaitis, Sr.James P. Varaitis, Sr., found his eternal resting place on January 23, 2017 after passing at Vitas Hospice Pompano Beach Florida, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old. He was born in Swoyerville, PA, attended Swoyerville High School and graduated from Kings College in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania . He played on the Championship winning Kings College basketball team, when graduating in 1954. He received a Masters Degree from Rutgers University in Education Administration. James had a rewarding career as a teacher in the Pennsbury School District for 40 years. He also coached a variety of recreational sports including soccer and basketball. He was an active member as a 4th Degree KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, American Legion and Pennsylvania Education Association. James married Johanna Shatrowsky and moved to Bucks County, Pa. where they raised their six children. After retiring from teaching, James and his beloved wife Johanna relocated to South Florida, and with their commitment to their deep faith, were active members at St incent's Parish (Delray Beach) pursing volunteer work there, along with Bethesda Hospital and Hospice By the Sea.James (Jim) vigilantly served his country as a member of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Official Army Honor Guard for past Presidents in Arlington, VA. Jim and Johanna had a love of travel and cruising and visited many countries around the world. Their main focus in life was spending time and helping to care for their eight Grandchildren; Jacob Michaels, Dean Schofield, Charlie and Kailey Homoky, Diana and Ricky Benford, and Owen and Lily Varaitis.He is predeceased by parents Jacob and Helen Varaitis, and brothers Robert and Joseph Varaitis. He is survived by wife Johanna in Parkland, Fla., sister Helen Gurnari, devoted daughters Michelle Homoky (Parkland, Fla.) , Daria Benford (Titusville NJ) , Mary Varaitis (Yardley, Pa.) and son James Varaits, Jr. (Morrisville, Pa.) He is preceded in death by daughters Karen Varaits and Diane Varaitis Michaels. Relatives and friends may call Friday, January 27th , 6:00 until 9:00 pm at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, Pa. 19056. Funeral Mass Saturday, January 28th, 10:30 am at St Andrews Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa., 18940. Reception to follow. There will be no calling hours on Saturday. Future private Interment at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James Varaitis's name to: Pennsbury Hall of Fame Scholarship Award, c/o David Oppenheimer, Charles H. Boehm Middle School, 866 Big Oak Road, Yardley, PA 19067. Also, Mass cards would be appreciated.