It is with heavy hearts we announce that James (Jim) McGeehan of Bethlehem pulled one last "Jimmy" as he left us suddenly, passing away at home after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday, April 24th. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jim, fondly called Bart in his younger years, was born in 1953 to James and Carmella (Santangelo) McGeehan. He was blessed to grow up with many beloved family members next door and nearby, as the McGeehan-Santangelo/Motto family was strong and connected all throughout the Hazleton area. Jim often reminisced about his "Leave It to Beaver" upbringing, along with their legendary Motto family reunions.

After he graduated in the Class of 1971 from Hazleton High School, Jim worked as a chef throughout the Poconos and Lehigh Valley. He found more than a job in the restaurant industry - he also found love. Ever the romantic, he wooed Denise Jacoby as he worked with her at the Tally Ho in Bethlehem, and the two married in 1986. They built their life in Fountain Hill, and together raised two extraordinary children, Alexandra and Jarrett.

Jim loved the company of people and his charming and boisterous personality was often the life of the party; and boy could Jim ever throw a party!  Block parties, post-stickball games, family reunions, hell even a random Friday night. Everyone knew they were welcome in the McGeehan house for an ice-cold beer and some good tunes with Big Jim. If you were lucky, you could usually snag a bite of whatever he was whipping up in the kitchen. Whether a perfect prime rib, his signature stromboli, or the family recipe Easter pie, Jim showed his love through his cooking (and everyone loved it when he did). That was the core of Jim as a person - through his food, his passion for music, and his tremendous personality, he brought people together and filled the world with joy. If value is measured in the happiness one creates, Jim lived a fabulously rich life.

Through it all, Jim took the most pleasure in the simple joys of his life. An old western film. A cold, fresh can of Labatt's. A Harley ride on a beautiful day. A hug from his Bucco or Weezy. And more than anything, he deeply enjoyed his time spent with Deni. The pair loved each other profoundly, and she was truly the light of his life.

With that said, Jim is survived by his loving wife Deni; daughter, Alix and spouse, Craig Bryan; son, Jarrett and spouse, Melissa McGeehan; two grandchildren, Eloise and Sebastian; brother, Danny McGeehan and wife Suzanne; sister-in-law, Tammy Dilendik and husband Jack; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Desiree, Danielle, Paul, Kelly, Zack, Katelynn, Kelsey, and Jack.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his sister, Mary Theresa Matz.

Jim opted to forgo a viewing and service, but we know he would ask everyone this:
to raise your drink, remember all the good times you spent with him, and to not let the door hit your ass on your way out.
"Who loves ya, baby?!" We all do, Dad. Miss you forever.