James P. Bedrin

     Mr. James P. “Jim” Bedrin, 59, a resident of Kirkwood, Broome County, New York, fell asleep in the Lord Friday night, December 16th in Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, following a recent illness.

     Born on Tuesday, June 18, 1963 in Wilkes-Barre, he was one of ten children to the late George and Helen (Maleta) Bedrin. He was a graduate of the former Bishop Hoban High School, Class of 1981.

     A career military man, James proudly served our country in the United States Army for twenty-one years; earning the rank of Sergeant First Class and retiring honorably on December 31st, 2004. He began his career as a Combat Engineer, deploying with the 82nd Airborne Division during the invasion of Grenada. Later in his career he transitioned into the US Army Reserves and continued service as an Army Health Care Recruiter and an Army Reserve Career Counselor.

     After retirement, he remained in the Binghamton Area with his family.

     James’ proudest accomplishment was his family where he gave unconditional love as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He cherished his 37 years with his loving wife, the former Magdala “Maggie” Stanziola, whom he often called “sweetie.”  He was an excellent cook and loved to center family gatherings around the kitchen table with his home-cooked creations. He was a champion for his wife and children, always ready and willing to go the extra mile to provide assistance and give life advice. 

     He loved to go hunting and fishing, loved polka and country music, and was an avid gardener.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by an infant brother, Paul and brother Thomas Bedrin.

Left to cherish the wonderful memories they keep of him in addition to his beloved wife Maggie at home are the couples' children; Mark David Bedrin and his wife Katie; George Joseph Bedrin; James Paul Bedrin II and his fiancé, Clayton Read; Anthony Nariño Bedrin and his fiancé Jamie Matts; Angelica Maria Bedrin and Isabelle Christina Bedrin.

Grandchildren; Brennan Gohn; Elizabeth Bedrin and Patrick Bedrin; Brothers and sisters including George Bedrin and his wife Debbie; Mary Sikora; Peter Bedrin; Michael Bedrin; Helen Bedrin; Susan Buchko and her husband Stephen; and Elizabeth "Beth" Rears and her husband Bill; Numerous nieces, nephews,  great-nieces, great-nephews, many dear friends.  He loved his beloved dog, Indie, and grand-dogs, Henry, Graham, Baxter, Louis, and Rosie; who will miss his unconditional love, homemade meals, “man-paw” shakes, treats and snuggle sessions on the couch.

     Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, December 27th at 11:00 a.m. with Office of Christian Burial and Divine Liturgy at Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 526 Church Street, Wilkes-Barre Township. The Reverend Mykhaylo Prodanets, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the Bedrin Family lot in Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas, where military honors will be accorded by a United States Army honor detail.

     Relatives and friends may join Jim's family for visitation and shared remembrances directly at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.

     In lieu of floral tributes, Jim's family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in his memory, kindly give consideration to the Boston Foundation for Sight, 464 Hillside Avenue; Suite #205, Needham, MA 02494 or online at www.bostonsight.org/donate.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc. of Wilkes-Barre is honored to care for Mr. Bedrin and his family at this time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James P. Bedrin, please visit our floral store.