It is with great sorrow, the family of James Christian Deitrick, 56, Harrisburg, announce his passing on Friday, June 7 after a courageous and hard-fought five-year battle with cancer. Jim passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born in Shamokin to Carl and Janet (Neary) Deitrick. He was a proud graduate of Shamokin Area High School where he graduated with honors in 1985. While at Shamokin, Jim developed his athleticism by being a member of the varsity basketball team. When the NBA didn’t come calling, Jim still played the hoops but also picked up a bag of golf clubs and a lifelong passion, or one could say obsession, was born. Jim enjoyed golf and was happy to share his love of the game with his sons. Jim was blessed to play his final game with his sons and friends in Virigina Beach in April.
After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army, where he served two years. During his enlistment he was stationed in Germany. After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended college, receiving his degree in Business.
On September 18, 1999, Jim married the love of his life, Kerry Ann Glover. They shared over 25 years together, with this year marking their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Jim adored Kerry and called her the keystone of their family and his inspiration. Kerry adored Jim, calling him her rock. They were best friends who shared the same values, goals, hopes and dreams and worked hard together to make their dreams come true. After their marriage, they relocated to Harrisburg to start their family where they welcomed Dylan, Tyler and Katelyn. Jim cherished the roles of husband and father. As a man of the Catholic faith, he looked to God and St. Joseph for guidance and support in being a loving protector, provider and teacher which he called his most important job in life and in which he excelled.
Jim never forgot where he came from or the lessons he learned being raised in the Coal Region. Frequent trips to Shamokin to visit family and friends would find him enjoying James Pizza and Coney Island. While Coal Region cuisine satisfied his hunger, the lessons learned would develop his character and bring him success personally and professionally. These included personal accountability, a strong work ethic, honesty, perseverance and friendship. He lovingly passed these lessons on to his children, who will forever be thankful to have a father who raised them to be independent thinkers, self-reliant, caring and loving young adults. There is no doubt Jim’s lessons will be passed on for many generations to come.
Jim was a consummate professional and gentleman. He greeted everyone with a warm brilliant smile and a handshake or hug. His work ethic, honesty and genuine friendship with his clients led him to find success in the financial sector. His 25-year tenure with Wilmington Trust, achieving the position of Vice President of Business Development, is a testament to both his business and professional acumen. Personally, “Jimmy D”, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, made every event memorable. Whether it was tailgating at Penn State with family and friends, building a new fence with his sons, running with his daughter or sitting on the patio drinking a cold one with Kerry, he did it up right with lots of laughs. He loved to entertain and was a welcoming host, ensuring everyone was comfortable and had what they needed to have a good time. Gatherings with family and friends and seeing them enjoy themselves brought him much joy.
In addition to his wife and children, Jim is survived by his father Carl, his sister Claire Miller and her partner Roy Hurley, and his brother David. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Josephine Glover and three sisters-in-law: Clare (Dave) Robel, Maureen (Chris) Brown and Siobhan Shipe and his nieces and nephews: Sadie, Jayde, Julian, Nicholas, Ethan, Brendan, Avery, Fiona, Abby, Alexandra and Erin.
He was preceded in death by his mother, who we know in our hearts welcomed him to Heaven with open arms. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law Martin “John” Glover and his brother-in-law Kevin Glover.
Rest in peace Jimmy D. We love you; we will miss you, and we will hold you in our hearts forever.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, June 13, 2024 at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 4000 Derry St., Harrisburg. Burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James Deitrick Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 126413, Harrisburg, PA 17112, to benefit St. Catherine’s Athletic Association.
