Sunday's Obituary: James A Skrabalak

James A. Skrabalak, 61, of Chipley, Florida, formerly of Binghamton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 24 October 2007, in Pensacola, Florida, after a brief illness. Jim was predeceased by his parents, John and Loretta Skrabalak. He is survived by his wife, Irene Skrabalak, Chipley, Fla.; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Danielle Skrabalak, Binghamton; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Donna and Melvin Burr, Binghamton, Patricia Markle, Johnson City; an uncle, Stanley Skrabalak, Endicott; two aunts, Helen Svarney, Johnson City, Josephine Wasko, Mesa, Arizona; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School and worked in the family business, "Scratchy's Highway Tavern," while living in Binghamton. He proudly served his country, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam and retiring from the US Navy in 1993. He was a member of AMVET Post 007 in Chipley, Fla., and F&AM AJ Russell Lodge in Jacksonville, Fla. Jim often returned home to Binghamton to visit family and friends, holding dear the memories of the area in which he grew up.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Sunny Hills, Fla., with a celebration of life to be held in Binghamton at the convenience of the family.

Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on 4 November 2007

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