James P. 'Jimmy' Sheridan

WILKES-BARRE-James P. “Jimmy” Sheridan, 63, of Wilkes-Barre passed into the arms of God on Tuesday, November 8th in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Jim was born in Wilkes Barre and was the son of Mary and James Sheridan. In 1948 his birth made headlines because he was the first person in the Wyoming Valley to have a complete blood transfusion. As a result of his complicated birth, he was deaf and had cerebral palsy. He faced many challenges in his life due to these disabilities but persevered through the multitude of issues he faced. He possessed remarkable inner strength and courage. Preceding him in death were his parents Mary and James Sheridan, sister Theresa, maternal grandparents Gertrude and Frank Pettinger, and paternal grandparents Theresa and John Sheridan, all of Wilkes Barre. Surviving are sisters Catherine Sheridan-Piotroski, husband Martin, and Dr. Christine Sheridan, all of Wilkes-Barre. Nephews include Martin Piotroski, Hanover Township; G. Scott Piotroski and wife Lynn, Harrisburg; Niece Erin Piotroski-Olshefski and husband Michael, Beach Mountain; great nephew Merek Piotroski; great nieces MacKenzie, Myranda, and McKylee Mae Piotroski, all of Harrisburg. He is also survived by his chosen family—friend and devoted caregiver Susan Spry, friends Karen Giles, and Cheryl Jones. To know Jimmy was to love him. He had an endless capacity to love along with an outgoing personality. His sense of humor was priceless. He was devoted to his family and cherished each and every family-focused holiday. He was the heart of our family. He expressed joy and love daily and taught those around him to do the same despite any obstacles encountered. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him. Jimmy’s family would like to acknowledge their appreciation for the tender loving care provided to Jim in his later years by Christina Strickler and Debbie Ulicny from Comfort Keepers. Also very deeply appreciated are Laura and Terri, cardiac nurses with Visiting Nurses Association. Their compassionate care and concern for Jimmy greatly enhanced his quality of life. His funeral will be held from Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre at 9:00 a.m. Saturday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church, Kingston. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.