James J. Pugh, 63, a lifelong resident of Swoyersville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, January 13, 2016, at his home.

Born on November 30, 1952, in Wilkes-Barre, James was the son of the late Joseph Pugh Jr. and Jean (Matuyza) Pugh.

James was a graduate of West Side Technical School, Pringle. Following high school, he went on to further his education at Johnson College, Scranton.

For many years, James was employed as an equipment operator for the I.B.E.W., Local 1319, Kingston.

James was a lifetime member of the former Swoyersville Hose Company #1, serving for some time as the company’s Fire Chief. He was very dedicated to the hose company and was actively involved in all their events over the years.

James is survived by his brother, John Sambo and his wife, Maureen, Swoyersville; his sister, Carolyn Frey and her husband, E. Donald, Mont Clare, Pennsylvania; his nephew and Godson, Jack Sambo and his wife, Kim, Swoyersville; his great-nephew, Dominic Sambo, Swoyersville; as well as his extended family and friends.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend James’ Blessing Service which will be celebrated on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 10:00 AM, at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort. The Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, will officiate.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary the Annunciation Roman Catholic Cemetery, Pringle.

Family and Friends are invited to call today, Friday, January 15, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send James’ Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family would be honored if you would consider making a memorial contribution in James’ memory to the Maltby Volunteer Fire Company, 253 Owen Street, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania 18704.