James Thomas Chickson, 70, of Scranton, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, surrounded by his family at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore after a short illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathleen Scully Chickson. Born in Hanover Twp., James was the son of the late Stanley L. and Rose Kramer Chickson. He often spoke fondly of his early childhood growing up on the farm with his eight siblings. A graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, he received both his masters and baccalaureate degrees from the University of Scranton. The majority of his career was spent as a vocational expert in disability determination hearings for the Social Security Administration. A passionate advocate for the rights of the disabled worker, James always sought to make sure they were treated fairly and justly. James was a funny storyteller and treated everyone kindly. He took great joy in his weekly golf league at the Scranton Muni with the West Scranton Church League. Did you know he hit a hole in one once? Because he’d proudly tell you once you met him. His afternoons were often spent outside tending to the flowers in his garden. An ardent Democrat, his passion for politics was instilled in his family. Later in life, he looked forward to his monthly coffee visits at Zummo’s with his friends Danny, Frank, and his fellow Woodstock attendee, John. He also enjoyed phone calls to his best man, Frank in West Virginia, with whom he attended the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973. James’ family would like to thank the Hospice of the Sacred Heart staff for their kind and compassionate care they offered James in his final moments, especially his nurses Debbie, Kendra, Sean and Tara. Surviving are his three children, Kara Verghese and husband, Subhash, Philadelphia; James Chickson and wife, Laura, West Pittston; and Douglas Chickson, Scranton; three grandchildren, Alex Timothy, Sophia Rose and Emma Grace Chickson; four sisters, Lara Buglio, Livingston, N.J.; Rosemarie Quinn, Scranton; Mary Ann Kunicki and husband, John, Haddonfield, N.J.; and Isabel Gilroy and husband, John, Horseheads, N.Y.; and several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers, Stanley Chickson Jr., Donald Chickson, John Chickson; and sister, Mary Susan Chickson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, Jackson Street. Mass can be viewed at Bit.ly/htechfssa. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Oram Street, Scranton. Friends may call at St. Patrick’s from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Social distancing guidelines will be followed, and masks will be required. Arrangements by McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home, 1401 Capouse Ave., Scranton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702; and St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. The family additionally plans to celebrate James’ life at a later date when the worst of the pandemic has passed.

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