John C. "Jack" McNamara

John C. McNamara (Jack) died on September 18 th surrounded by loved
ones at home. Jack and his wife Deb (Muir), originally of Carbondale,
were married for thirty-one years and made their home in
Downingtown, PA, before retiring to Union Dale in 2005.
With an independent spirit, curious mind, and wry sense of humor,
Jack lived life passionately and gave his all to family, friends, and the
sports he loved. Whether skiing fast down a mountain, trimming a sail
to be first around a buoy, or shaving a point off his golf handicap, Jack
enthusiastically strived to do his best and encouraged others to do the
same. Jack was a much-loved ski coach at Elk Mountain for over
twenty-five years and took great joy in welcoming generations of racers
into the Elk race program. Although Jack was happiest outdoors, he
was also a voracious reader and inveterate music collector, pursuits
which sustained him in his later years. Jack was a dedicated board
member of the Rail-Trail Council of NEPA, serving several terms as
treasurer, and a long-term volunteer at the Forest City Recycling
Center.
Jack bravely battled COPD for over two decades, and, as a result,
lived far beyond all odds and expectations. Ultimately, he could not
beat the cancer with which he was diagnosed in 2015, but he fought
valiantly to live each day to the fullest. Jack’s family extends deepest
gratitude to all of the doctors and nurses who cared for Jack and the
staff of Allied Hospice who made it possible for Jack to live his last
days at home on the mountain he loved.
In addition to his wife Deb, Jack is survived by his daughter
Jamie Shinn, son-in-law Sean Graham, granddaughter Matilda, and
step-grandchildren Nyra and Mekhi Graham; brothers Richard Connell
and Bob McNamara; nieces Chris Anne DeHart and husband Dave
and Denise Stehman and her children Cara and Corbin; nephews Clay
Stehman and Craig Ste hman; parents-in-law Jean and Jim Muir;
sisters-in-law Nancy Grant and husband Peter, Barbara Tolerico and
husband Carl, Susan Muir and husband Don Hoyle, Kathy Nevins and
husband Mike; brothers-in-law Jim Muir and wife Donna and Robert
Muir and partner Jim Abbott; and many Muir nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and brother Henry
Stehman.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial
donations can be made in Jack’s name to the Rail Trail Council of
NEPA at https://www.neparailtrails.org .
Arrangements and on-site cremation are under the care of the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., 436 Cedar Ave. Scranton.