James M. Cadden

James M. Cadden, 60 years of age, from Scranton, died on Tuesday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, comforted with his family by his side as they had been every day of the past year during his spirited, gutsy fight with cancer. He was the husband of Sandra Welby Cadden, with whom he celebrated 21 years of marriage in June, and the father of Caroline Cadden, both of whom he adored since the very day they came into his life.

He was born in Scranton, son of the late Michael Edward and Ann Kane Cadden, and he lived and learned and worked here since. A graduate of Scranton Technical High School, he attended the University of Scranton and Marywood College and possessed a natural gift for writing and storytelling. A lifelong career in journalism began with Jim writing feature and local government articles for the Scranton Tribune, the Abington Journal and the Dunmorean and other local papers and publications. For over 25 years, he worked for the State of Pennsylvania, primarily in the state workers' insurance fund before retiring.

A history buff, he was fascinated with the Civil War, JFK, politics and baseball and, living here, such affections afforded a balanced life. Being Mike Cadden's son and a staunch Democrat, he worked the polls every election day for candidates he respected and saw a lot of winning. Passionately rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies, he repeatedly drove to Veterans Stadium and saw a lot of losing. A man of tremendous faith, he was a daily communicant at St. Peter's Cathedral and was ardently pro-life. Proud of his heritage, and a past member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, he thus achieved the respected social trifecta of being Irish, Catholic and a Democrat.

Personally, Jim enjoyed the solitude of camping and fishing, especially with his brothers, and being with family and friends, who found him to be kind, intelligent, funny, generous, dependable and trustworthy. Jim cheered tirelessly for his daughter, Caroline, and every player on her Holy Cross tennis team, never missing a match. He loved all types of music - James Taylor and Luther Vandross really spoke to him - especially live music and concerts and often while hoisting a few pints, time and again, with his best friend, Mike Quinlan. The family dog, Cooper, a bijon poodle, was his best buddy and every walk was an adventure. He volunteered for several local humanitarian charities, gave with an unassuming hand, anonymously. He took great pride in his home and, together with Sandi, made it warm and welcoming. Jim relished his role as husband and father. Throughout his illness, his family's needs remained his focus. He gave to them selflessly; he never, ever said "no" because Sandi was his soulmate and Caroline their pride and joy, and, after all, Jim Cadden was a good man.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Caroline, at home; a brother, Daniel Cadden and wife, Jill, Dalton; three sisters, Mary Ann Cadden and husband, Vincent Verterano, Allentown; Kathleen Cadden, Scranton, and Collen Cadden, Allentown; an uncle, Eugene T. Cadden and wife, Alice, Scranton; an aunt, Ann Cadden, R.N., Scranton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by brothers, Michael Cadden Jr., Gerald M. Cadden and Terrence Michael Cadden.

The funeral will be conducted on Saturday with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton.

Family and friends may call today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to organizations that were dear to Jim: St. Paul's/St. Clare's Food Pantry, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA, which helps to feed hungry neighbors; and to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, a company of caring, compassionate professionals, angels all.