James Gerald (Jamie) Klaproth
OBITUARY
James Gerald (Jamie) Klaproth, age 72, passed peacefully on October 21 at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
Son of James J. Klaproth and Marguerite Warren, Jamie was born December 15, 1952, at Altoona Hospital. Jamie was a very special person in so many ways, good-natured, full of love and laughter. After the deaths of his father, and then his mother, he resided at group homes in Scranton and Jermyn for 17 years, first as part of Keystone Residential Services (now Beacon Specialized Living).
He participated in the day program at Goodwill Industries for many years and made many friends there. Jamie received exemplary care, particularly from his primary caregiver, Heather Edwards, and enjoyed spending time with his housemates, all of whom deeply mourn his passing.
Under Heathers loving care, Jamie enjoyed many outings, including going to the movies and a very special one to see a Penn State football game in State College, surely a highlight of his life. He loved watchingfootball, baseball, and golf, watching movies and television, listening to music (especially Journey), family holidays, Halloween with his housemates, pasta and Chinese food, and life in general. His room was filled with Penn State memorabilia, painting and art supplies, as well as stuffed toys, including those of his beloved Olaf, the snowman in the movie Frozen, who went everywhere with him.
His family would like to share that having a sibling like Jamie was a joy, teaching us early on about pure love, as well as empathy and compassion. We were deeply blessed by his presence in our lives.
He is survived by his sister, Maureen Hart; brother Jerald Klaproth, and wife, Vicki, niece Alexis and nephews Camden and Evan; nephew Joshua.
Laboskie, and wife, Amy Lynne, their children Alexander and Audrey; niece, Rebecca Garcia-Pons, and partner, B.J. Wallace; the Hart family, John M. Hart III, Esq., and wife Hannah, and their sons Jack and Jameson; the McDonald family, Elizabeth McDonald, and husband, Marcus, and their son Padraig (Podge), as well as by his caregiver Heather Edwards and his housemates, Milton, Jay, and Jessie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Michele Klaproth and Melinda (Mindy) Laboskie.
A memorial mass will be celebrated by Msgr. Neil J. Van Loon, with concelebrant Rev. Richard Fox at St. Clares Church, 2301 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, on Friday, October 24, at 10 a.m., with visitation at 9:30 a.m. in the church. Arrangements by Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home, 601 Dundaff St., Dickson City.
James Gerald (Jamie) Klaproth
October 21, 2025