James M. Sarisky

James Francis Matthew Sarisky, born July 1, 1947, in Shamokin, PA passed away on November 21, 2025 in Hershey, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hannah Sarisky, and siblings Joan Ziemba, Dolores Moyer, and Joseph Sarisky.

In his young life he picked coal to help support his family. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his service, he worked for the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in MD, as an Adjutant. He later married his former wife, the late Marie Olear Sarisky, and started a family. He operated a coal delivery business while living in Ashland and Lavelle, serving the surrounding areas and later worked at K and E Construction Company. In 1979 he and his family moved to Espy, PA and he later worked at Dana Corporation in Reading, PA.

Always drawn to excitement, Jim moved to Las Vegas, where he resided for almost 30 yrs, until returning to Pennsylvania in 2020 with his companion, Shelli Lamb. He was an avid football fan and sports bettor. He enjoyed thrifting and selling used items. Jim was a fun-loving, free spirit who was often the life of the party and known for his generosity and humor. His friends knew him as “Shark -Skin Jim” for his sharp clothing style and smooth charisma while showing off his dance moves to Motown music.

Jim is survived by his children: Darlene (Darren) Weaver, Charlie (Donna) Schronick, Sheila (Greg) Hoover, Marie Sarisky (fiancé Brent), and Jim (Lindsay) Sarisky; and his grandchildren: Larry (Heather) Fasnacht, Chris (Alicia) Schronick, Ariel Schronick, Rachel and Dane Hoover. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be at Hershey VFW, 883 Old West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA on December 28, 2025 at Noon. Interment will be private.

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