James E. Harrington

James (Jim) E. Harrington, Jr., 65, of Wilkes-Barre, died October 1, 2016 of a heart attack at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He is survived by his loving partner of many years, William (Bill) Browne of Wilkes-Barre; his sister Margaret (Gret) Lotz of Royersford, PA; nephew Jeffrey Lotz of Collegeville, PA; niece Jeanette Roberts of Phoenixville, PA; and five great nephews of whom he was very proud .

Jim was born September 19, 1951, in Hazleton, PA, to parents James E. Harrington and Margaret Mondik Harrington of Wyamissing, PA, who have both preceded him in death.  Jim attended Wilson High School in Wyamissing, PA where he graduated in 1969.  He then went on to study music, specializing in the organ, at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1973. In later years, he served on Oberlin’s Alumni Executive Board and was an admissions representative.

An exceptional musician, Jim further pursued his studies as a graduate student at Yale University School of Music where he received his Mus.M. degree in 1975. Following graduate school, Jim toured Europe, giving recitals as an accomplished organist.

In the early 1980s Jim took up residence in Scranton, PA where he became the organist at St. Peter’s Cathedral. There he worked with Bishop McCormick, and was instrumental in the purchase of an organ from Switzerland for the cathedral.

Jim moved to Wilkes-Barre in 1985 and began a long and distinguished career at Wilkes University, where he was a Professor of Music, and also served as the interim Chair of the Department of Music, Theater and Dance, as well as Assistant to the Dean, and Academic Service Coordinator.  For a brief interval in the early 2000s, he was hired by Mansfield University where he was Dean of Student Activities, but then returned to Wilkes until he retired this past spring.

A passionate and devoted teacher, Jim’s many students remember him as being a role model and friend, encouraging them to work hard, to pursue their dreams, and to stand up for heir beliefs. He loved introducing students to the Arts, and often took groups to New York City to museums, cathedrals, concerts and plays.

Jim was actively involved in the local LGBT community, and was interviewed more than once by the local papers on behalf of current issues. He was a true leader who paved the way for the LGBT Reach Group, Pride of NEPA Social Group, Michael Pierson Memorial Project, NEPA Rainbow Alliance, and the LGBT Center of NEPA. He hosted countless safe-space groups at Wilkes University and founded the “Safe Zones” on campus program in the 90’s, and continued to be supportive until his passing.  He could not abide injustice of any kind, and was an avid defender of human rights. He served on the local board of the League of Women Voters; and along with his partner Bill, worked for the local Democratic party.

Jim will be remembered as a loyal and supportive friend, a lover of animals, and a skilled cook who loved to entertain, delighting guests with concerts on his harpsichord. His wit was second-to-none, and he possessed a gleefully irreverent sense of humor that will be remembered fondly by all. His untimely death will leave a void in the hearts of his many friends and the communities he inspired, nurtured and mentored.

Relatives, students and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jim’s memorial service, which will be celebrated on Friday, October 28 at 4:00 p.m. at Wilkes University’s Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for Performing Arts (located at the corner of South River and South Streets in Wilkes-Barre, PA).

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