James P McNelis

James P. (Jim) McNelis, 90 a resident of Providence Place Senior Living Community, Drums, for the past 7
years passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon.
Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Thomas P. and Ann (O’Donnell) McNelis, and one of six
children, and raised by proud Irish parents with strong values and traditions.
Jim was very proud of his Irish heritage and traveled numerous times to Ireland, visiting his parents
relatives. He also enjoyed traveling within the U.S. and numerous countries.
He was a 1951 graduate of St. Gabriel High School and went on to attend Brooklyn State Hospital, School
of Nursing. He continued his education at St. Joseph Hospital, School of Respiratory Hospital, Lancaster,
PA.
Jim served the area as a nurse and certified respiratory therapist. He established McNelis Breathing
Equipment Company, and later acquired Hazleton Medical Supply.
He was very civic minded and active in the Greater Hazleton Community for many years until his
retirement in 1987. After retirement he spent many years in Lakeland, FL. enjoying golf and long walks.
He cherished his Catholic faith and drew great solace from reciting the Rosary daily. He was a member of
Annunciation Parish, church of St. Gabriel for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Joseph McNelis.
He is survived by his loving and devoted daughter Jamie Selldorff and husband John, Chatham,
Massachusetts, and sons David McNelis and Thomas McNelis and Wife Betty, both of Florida. Also
surviving is Jim’s first wife Anita Wendell Baldari, Clearwater, FL, his cherished grandchildren, Samantha
and Alexandra Selldorff, Colleen and Jared McNelis and Matthew McNelis. Also surviving are the
following sisters and brother, Sara A. McNelis, Hazleton, Mary Jane Thomas, Hazleton and brother,
Attorney Frank McNelis and wife Alicia, Utica Michigan, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim met many challenges during his life with resilience and strength and provided inspiration to all who
knew and loved him. He will live in our hearts forever, being remembered for his quick Irish wit, his loving
care for family and friends. His Irish eyes will smile down upon us.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM at Annunciation Parish, Church of St.
Gabriel, Hazleton. Interment will follow privately in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Freeland. Relatives and friends
may call Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11 AM at the Church, prior to the Mass.
The family welcomes donations in memory of Jim to Restore This House c/o St. Gabriel Church, 122 S.
Wyoming St., Hazleton.
Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Inc. 532 N. Vine St. Hazleton

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