James R. Meluskey, 88, passed away on March 3, 2021, in his home in Shenandoah, PA, after being under home hospice care for six months. Born on March 9, 1932, James was the son of the late Albin and Claire Schneider Meluskey.

Graduate of Lebanon Catholic High School Class of 1950, Jim was proud to be a member of LCHS’s first football team as well as a member of the baseball and basketball teams. He also attended St. Francis Prep and College in Latrobe, PA. Jim served in the Navy from 1953 until 1956 and duties included running the ship’s store on the 1954 World Tour aboard the USS Abbot.

Professionally, Jim took over Ace Aluminum from his father and managed the business until his retirement in 1991. Jim was a vocal supporter of Lebanon City and its many community organizations. He was active in Farm-City Week, the Chamber of Commerce, Board member of Lebanon Housing Authority, Sertoma and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the VA driving patients. He was also active in the National Remodelers Association, where he served as President.

Jim’s enthusiasm for life was evident to everyone he met and many attribute his long life to the fact he did not want to miss anything. He loved the renovation of the family old stone home, tennis, and golfing with friends, who shared the joy of his two holes-in-one. He and Sandy loved their condo but enjoyed exploring the world through many wonderful trips abroad and countless trips visiting their children around the country. He and Sandy also found sanctuary in the spring and fall on Cape Cod.

James leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Sandra P. Meluskey, the children he was so proud of, Michael Meluskey, Alicia M. Silka, and Maria M. Dissinger, as well as two sons-in-law Dr. Paul Silka and John Dissinger, sister-in-law, Peg O’Hara, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The joy of his later years and the source of new stories were his grandchildren, Ana Boss, Mara Silka, Ellen Silka, Claire Dissinger, Reid Dissinger, and Alex Dissinger. He had a large circle of friends whom he deeply valued and appreciated, especially his weekly breakfast gathering.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Joan Delp and Mary Meluskey, and his brother, Fr. Andre Meluskey.

Visitation with the family will be held Monday, March 8th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. located at 126 South 9th Street in Lebanon. On Tuesday, private burial at Fort Indiantown Gap with full military honors will be followed by a private memorial service. In Lieu of flowers or Mass cards contribution in his honor may be made to the Lebanon VA Hospice Unit, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave Lebanon PA 17042 or the Lebanon Rescue Mission PO Box 5 Lebanon, PA 17046. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.