Bro. James T. Kozemchak, Jr., 72, of Harvey’s Lake, PA passed away, Friday, February 26, 2016 in Dallas, PA.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on August 26, 1943, he was the son of the late James and Ann Wasnick Kozemchak of Dallas, PA. Jim was a graduate of Dallas High School, Dallas, PA and Lincoln College Prep, Philadelphia, PA, attended Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA. He was a Navy Veteran serving during the Berlin Crisis, Cuban Crisis, Haitian Crisis and Vietnam War.
After graduation from Wilkes University, he worked for Exxon in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Stroudsburg as a dealer salesman. In 1969 he purchased Paramount Photography Studio in Plymouth, PA, and in 1972 he purchased Ace Hoffman Studio in Wilkes-Barre, PA, which he and his former wife, Patricia, ran successfully for 35 years. He was a well-known photographer and had photographed many Presidents and dignitaries throughout his career. Jim also started a laundromat and a convenience store. He published a magazine, The Guide to Northeastern Pennsylvania, and a magazine on the Hurricane Agnes Flood of 1972 with his brother and father. He also owned a real estate company consisting of over 60 apartments.
Jim’s memberships included: Dallas Kiwanis Club, Elk Club, George M. Dallas, Lodge #531 F&AM, Dallas, PA, Caldwell Consistory at Bloomsburg, PA, Irem Shrine A.A.O.N.M.S., Dallas, PA, where he was their official photographer, Harvey’s Lake American Legion, Secretary for Northeastern Professional Photographers Society, The Professional Photographers of America and corporate board member of the State Police Troop “P” Camp Cadet.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved to ski, hunt, hike, work on his military vehicle collection and travel the world. He was described as an ambitious, dedicated and funny character! Jim had many friends who enjoyed his company, jokes and stories. Jim’s greatest joys were his two daughters and their families and his beloved dog, “Blue,” who accompanied him everywhere.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Paster, and her husband, Bradley, and their children, Caroline, Katherine and Jacob James, of Westwood, MA, and by his daughter, Wendy Matesanz, and her husband, Jonathan, and their children, Alexa and Corey James, of Freeville, NY. He is also survived by his brother, David Kozemchak, and his wife, Joy, of Dallas, PA, and by his nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by a sister,Elaine Kozemchak Roberts.