James M. Gambini, 51 of the Hilldale section of Plains Township, passed unexpectedly July 8, 2019 in Canastota, New York.

Born in Plains, PA, he was the son of Mary (Giordano) Gambini of the Hilldale section of Plains and the late Ralph G. Gambini.

Jimmy was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1985 and King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1990, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

In the early 90’s Jimmy worked alongside his father at the families garment factories. In 1995 Jimmy accepted a position at the Luzerne Intermediate Unit where he currently held the position of Director of Operational Services. Jimmy was very proud of the position he held within the Intermediate Unit and also so proud of the services they were providing to the students of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties.

Jimmy was known for his quick wit, charismatic smile and infectious laugh. He always put his love for his wife and family above all else. He was so proud of his heritage and the traditions the family still continue. Among those traditions he always looked forward to Sunday pasta dinners and would tell anyone who listened what an amazing cook his mother was.

He believed in living life to the fullest and he truly did just that. He loved watching his Nittany Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers at The Red Mill. He lived for adventurous weekends at his campsite in Wyalusing, quad rides, sitting by the pool and his bi-yearly weekend trips to the Deerhorn Sportsmen’s Club in New Milford. He loved to travel with his wife and family especially to Ocean City, Maryland and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jimmy always loved to cook and throw a good party and could always be found in front of the grill. Most of all Jimmy loved to be surrounded by family and friends, drinking a cold beer telling jokes and sarcastic remarks with his countless friends who always brought his life so much joy.

He was preceded in death by his father Ralph on August 7, 2009.

Surviving are his wife the former Melissa Morgan, Plains, mother Mary Gambini, Plains, sister Rochelle Aruscavage and her husband Joseph, Laflin, brothers Ralph Gambini, Jr. and his wife Debbie, Pittston, and David Gambini, Plains, Father and Mother in Law George and Lucille Morgan, Exeter, Brothers and Sisters in Law Lucille Morgan, Exeter, Michael and Theresa Morgan Kingston, George and Mary Morgan Mississippi, John and Michelle Morgan, Exeter, Donny and Angie Morgan Kingston and Donna Morgan, Las Angeles. Several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews whom he loved dearly. In addition Jimmy is survived by the two apple of his eye, his fur babies TJ and Maggie May.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 10:00 am at Saints Peter & Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains, PA 18705, with Father John C. Lambert, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be held in the Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming, PA. Family and friends may call Tuesday morning from 8:30 am until 10:00 am at church. Arrangements entrusted to the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.

The family wishes to thank the numerous emergency services personnel in New York who worked tirelessly to bring Jimmy home.

The family requests that flowers be omitted and Memorial Donations may be made to the Luzerne Intermediate Unit Foundation Education Fund, 368 Tioga Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704 in Jimmy’s Memory.