James Battle
OBITUARY
James Battle, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Monday at home. He was 85 years young. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judy (McCarthy) Battle. They were married on October 19, 1968.
Born on January 20, 1941, son of the late George and Josephine (Ferrick) Battle, James was educated at West Scranton High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Army and the U.S. National Guard, prior to his honorable discharge. He served the city of Scranton as a police officer for 26 years, a longtime patrolman, earning the rank of Sgt. prior to his well-deserved retirement. Upon retirement, he never slowed down for a bit. He continued to work for Boots and Hanks Towing Co. and as a driver for Price Bus Co., Bolus Trucking, and Gilbride Limousine.
He was first and foremost a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his daughters and his ten grandchildren. They were his greatest source of pride.
He deeply understood his role as a police officer was to serve the community, and he excelled in this role. He often met people in their worst moments, but always treated them with respect and compassion. One of his favorite things in the world was driving, everywhere and anywhere, no matter the circumstances. He loved a good snowstorm! He traveled up and down the East Coast and throughout the Midwest, always with his family, stopping along the way for a good cup of coffee. He spent many weekends fishing at Lake Winola or camping at the Lackawanna State Park. To be remembered in countless ways, he was a storyteller, had a great sense of humor, and was proud of serving his community. He was deeply committed to his Catholic faith, and his love for his family will never be forgotten.
Along with Judy, he is also survived by his four daughters, Michele Battle and husband Scott Adams of Raleigh, N.C., and their children Josephine and James; Amy Fotta and husband Martin of Dalton and their children, Tela, Eliza, and Ella Rose; Kelly Coyne and husband J.T. Coyne of Scranton and their children, Olivia and Emma; and Lori Bonafede and husband Jade Bonafede of Moosic and their children, Giada, Nina and Vincenzo; and many nieces and nephews. The last of the six Battle siblings, he was also preceded in death by siblings, Robert, Frank, and Gene Battle, Joan Morelli, and Alora Reed.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of Allied Hospice, as well as caregiver coordinator, Gretchen Mackie, for the collective care and compassion given to James.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Friday at 9:15 AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave., to be celebrated by Msgr. Neil J. Von Loon, Pastor. Burial, Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton. Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.
James Battle
May 4, 2026