James Richard Rouse

James Richard Rouse was born January 21, 1951, at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. He was the son of the late William J. and Pauline Rosena Neuber Rouse. Jim was the fourth child of his parents’ six children.

Jim passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Geisinger Hospital in Scranton, PA. 
 
Jim was a lifelong member of St. Basil’s Church, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Dushore, PA. He attended St. Basils School, and once the school closed, he transferred to Sullivan County High School and graduated a member of the class of 1968.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was stationed in Korea. After returning from his military service, he attended Mansfield University and received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in Education. He later attended Widener University Law School, in Harrisburg, PA. He taught school, for a brief time, in the Sullivan County and Wyalusing School Districts.

Jim lived on the Rouse family farm for many years with his parents. After his parents passed away, he continued to live on the farm and grew a garden and planted fruit trees. He enjoyed giving fruits and vegetables to his friends and family. Jim loved to cook and bake pies, cakes, and cookies, and often he canned pickles, jellies, jams, etc., and gave them to his many friends. He had a special recipe for a fruitcake at Christmas which he made for family and friends. Because of his love of cooking, he decided to write a cookbook. He had published several cookbooks with his family and friends’ recipes and gave many away. Jim had a multitude of friends whom he helped in many ways.

Jim had a love for country music and learned to play several musical instruments including the violin, guitar, banjo, and keyboard.  In his leisure time he spent hours each week playing and listening to a variety of music. He enjoyed karaoke at the Sonestown Legion and singing in front of a crowd. 

Three sisters and brothers-in-law survive him:
Kathleen “Kathy” and Mark Arpa            Vienna, Va
Rosemary ”Rosie” and David Meisner    St. Cloud, Fl 
Dolores “Dody” and William Inch           Vienna, Va

Two sisters-in-law:
Shirley Rouse                    Austin, TX
Patricia Rouse                    Stafford, VA

Nieces and nephews:
Karen DeRouen of TX; Travis Rouse, TX; Craig Rouse, TX; Danny Meisner, FL Dr. Jessica Meisner, PA; Stephen Inch, VA; Kimberly Raszewski, VA; Jennifer Rouse, FL; Stephanie Rouse, VA; and Ricky Rouse, VA; Melissa (Meisner) Sadler, VA; Tania Arpa, Philippines; Natalia (Arpa) Shalim, VA; Patricia (Arpa) Verano, FL; and Lisa (Arpa) Kaim, VA;

Great Nieces:
Peyton, Piper, and Gracelyn Rouse; Cecelia and Lucy Raszewski; Blake Inch; Katherine Long; Lexi Shalim; and Ina Kaim.

Great Nephews:
Dax and Link DeRouen; Wesley Inch; Adan and Liam Sadler; Edward Arpa; and Liam Verano.

He is also survived by special friends Mary and Ronnie.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, William Raymond Rouse on July 13, 1996, and Richard Eugene Rouse on August 4, 2008.

His family and friends will miss him and are grateful for the time and memories they shared with him. The last year of his life was a struggle as he tried to cope with his many mental and physical ailments. He is at peace now. 

A Transferal Service will be held on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, at 10:30 AM from the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA, and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, PA with his pastor, Rev. Thomas J. Major, presiding. Interment will be in St. Basil’s Cemetery.

Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and on Saturday morning from 10:00 until the time of the transferal.

Graveside Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force Honors Detail, and Loyalsock Post #996 American Legion.  Members are asked to assemble and pass in review at the Homer Funeral Home at 10:15 AM Saturday morning, January 20th, 2024.

Memorial contributions in his memory, may be made to St. Basil’s Cemetery Association, PO Box 1, Dushore, PA 18614, or St. Basil’s Church, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614  
       
To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.