James Scalleat

James (Jimmy) Joseph Scalleat, 73, of Sugarloaf,PA passed away on November 28,
2023, following a brave battle with ALS.
Jimmy was born on September 24, 1950, to Samuel and Bernadine (Sweeney) Scalleat
in Hazleton, PA. Jimmy was the youngest of four children and it was clear to his older
siblings from the start that Jimmy was the favorite of their mother. They lovingly
referred to him as the ‘little prince’.
Jimmy graduated from Hazleton High School in 1968 and received his Bachelor of
Science degree from Indiana University of PA. Jimmy was a member of Kappa Delta
Rho fraternity. He continued to enjoy the brotherhood and friendship of his fraternity
brothers throughout his life.
Jimmy’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to pursue numerous endeavors over the years.
After graduating college, Jimmy worked in the music business promoting concerts for
bands that included Earth, Wind & Fire, Fleetwood Mac, Alice Cooper, ZZ Topp,
Electric Light Orchestra, and Bruce Springsteen.
Jimmy then embarked on a 30+ year career in the restaurant industry as co-
owner/operator of Close Quarters, the Ovalon and the Powerhouse Eatery. He came
out of retirement later in life to manage the Pines Eatery in Hazleton, PA. Jimmy was
an excellent chef and was well known for his delicious stromboli. He also loved
working the front of the house where he enjoyed greeting and socializing with his
restaurant patrons.
Over the years, Jimmy often travelled abroad. He engaged in real estate development
and had numerous properties throughout the US, Australia, and Belize.
In 1994, Sammy J was born and immediately became his dad’s pride and joy.
Jimmy met the great love of his life, Lori in 2003 and she became his best friend and
life partner. They spent the next 20 years together raising their children, traveling,
laughing, dancing, enjoying life and making beautiful memories. In 2022, they
married in a private ceremony at their home with their sons, Sammy and Johnathan.
Jimmy was highly active all his life. As an avid skier, he enjoyed spending time on the
slopes. He also loved traveling, sailing, cooking, reading, the Steelers, cars, and
listening to classic rock music. Most of all, Jimmy enjoyed taking care of his family,

home, and property and the company of his many good friends. You could often find
Jimmy sipping a glass of red wine on his deck, listening to his favorite tunes and
cooking dinner on the grill.
Jimmy will most be remembered for his infectious smile, vibrant personality, kind
generous spirit, big heart, and selfless nature. Jimmy was full of life and lived every
moment with passion and enthusiasm. If you were a friend of Jimmy’s, you were a
friend for life.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his devoted and loving
wife Lori, sons Samuel J. Scalleat (Baltimore, MD) and Johnathan P. Schmidt
(Melbourne, FL), brother Samuel (Janine) Scalleat, sister Sheila Scalleat (Frank
Tuchi), brother John (Katie) Scalleat and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, December 3rd from 2-4pm at
the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Hazleton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be
celebrated Monday, December 4 th at 11am at Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton.
Internment will be private.
The family is incredibly grateful to all those who helped in ways big and small to
make life with ALS a little easier for Jimmy and his family. There are too many to
name. ALS affects about 31,000 people in the US. Currently there is no cure for ALS.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jimmy’s name to the ALS
Association of Philadelphia, Team Gleason, or the Healthwell Foundation, all
organizations that supported Jimmy during his illness.

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