James “Francis” Herbert, 81, musician, singer, songwriter, story-teller, recording artist, inventor, jokester and beloved brother, uncle and brother- in-law passed on to the Kingdom of our Lord in Heaven on October 24, 2022, after courageously battling an illness.

Born February 8, 1941 in Bear Creek Township, he was the fifth of eight children, which included 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Loved by family, friends, and strangers alike, Francis was well known in Miners Mills as a unique character. Quick with a joke, story or song, Francis could be relied upon to raise your spirits no matter what the circumstances. Blessed with a natural ability to play guitar and a beautiful singing voice, Francis kept every party and social event lively with his vast repertoire of original and cover songs. Ever the optimist, he always saw the upside of life, and would never let his own difficulties or hardships get him down. Indeed, he brought joy and liveliness to just about everyone he met.

Francis was always a determined, sometimes stubborn fighter, and could not be discouraged from fully expressing himself no matter what the circumstances.  A true survivor, Francis went from humble beginnings to seeing the world and traveling near and far.  He enjoyed his room full of scale models, gadgets and gizmos as well as a vast collection of guitars and amps.  As a life-long rail enthusiast, Francis enjoyed a close- up view of the passing railroad cars from the comfort of his home on Mayock Street.  Ever the hard worker, Francis held down full and part time jobs, volunteered at numerous social events, shoveled snow, performed lawn work, and hustled odd jobs for his neighbors. He sang in the choir at Blessed Sacrament Church, and served as an assistant to the parish Priests for many years.

Francis had a natural ability to fix things, and was counted on by many local kids to repair their bicycles and flat tires, back when kids rode bikes.  He loved putting together model airplanes and cars, and could play just about any musical instrument. He has written and recorded his own original songs in a professional recording studio, played countless live gigs, and received accolades for his musical talents. He has visited our nation’s capital, hobnobbed with Mayors, earned music awards, and won talent contests, toured the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, attended Civil War reenactments in VA. Francis was always more than willing to try new things, and had a natural curiosity about the world around him. His motto was always ‘Hey, I’m game!”

Francis was a member of the Miners Mills Triangle Club, The Henry Citizens Club, and Sons of the American Legion.  Most recently, on October 10, 2022, Francis was cited by Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown with a Mayoral Proclamation for his exemplary citizenship, care and kindness to others, and dedicated years of service cleaning up and recycling the streets of Miners Mills.  Also attending the ceremony were W-B Police Chief Joseph Coffay, Lt. Mike Boyle, and Fire Chief Jay Delaney. Despite his failing health, Francis managed to perform “Ruby” for the assembled crowd.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Catherine “Kay” (Early) Herbert of Scranton, PA and Father Robert W. Herbert, Pittston, PA, as well as brothers William (Joe), Robert, Edward, John (Buddy) and sister Darlene.

He is survived by his sisters Catherine Jones, West Wyoming, and Betty Alice Herbert, Bear Creek, sister-in-law and dedicated caretaker Joan Herbert of Miners Mills, nieces and nephews that he lived with; Cyndy, William, JoAnn, Kathi, Joe, Ron and Helenne, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and fans.

Francis was truly one in a million, and there has been no one with more heart, soul, grit, determination, strength of character and love of life than James “Francis” Herbert. May he rest eternally in peace.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705. Family and friends may call Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Avoca, PA at the convenience of the family.