James R. Wishchuk May 12, 1944 - December 12, 2024

James R. Wishchuk, 80, of Lower Macungie Township, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Born and raised in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late James and Gertrude T. (Gnida) Wishchuk. For almost fifty years, he was married to Ellen Tighe Wishchuk, who died in 2017. Jim considered his family to be his greatest achievement. Survivors: companion- Carol Jones; daughters — Maryellen Graziano, M.Ed. and husband, Glenn, of Mt. Airy, MD; Jane R. Moore, CHT and husband, Gregory, of Downingtown, PA; son — Attorney Chad T. Wishchuk, JD and wife, Bethany, of Coronado, CA.; grandchildren — Matthew J., Allison M., and Jaylin N. Graziano; Ella M., and John Perry Wishchuk; Patrick G., Brady J. and Kate Ellen Moore; brother-in-law, Dr. Philip J. Tighe (late Catharine A.), sister-inlaw, Rosemary T. Cozzolino (Dr. Gerard E.); niece, Maria Cozzolino, and nephews, David Cozzolino (Kari) and sons, Ryan and Caden, and Dr. Philip L. Tighe (Jenha), and daughters, Ainsley and Molly.

Jim graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1962, Duquesne University, B.A. Political Science, 1966, and Temple University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1969.

In 2002 ACCHS conferred its Distinguished Graduate Award on Jim. Between 1984 and 2013 he produced several sports publications, including basketball programs, a Basketball Review, and boys and girls Basketball Guides. He received a 1989-1990 Victorious Viking award. He served on its Wall of Fame selection Committee since its inauguration.

After law school graduation Jim joined the Allentown law firm of Frank and Frank, and in 1974 was named shareholder (Frank, Frank & Wishchuk, P.C.) where he practiced law until 1980. Thereafter, he specialized in estate planning and administration as a sole practitioner in Allentown and South Whitehall Township until his retirement in 2020. He was admitted to practice before the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County. He was a member of the American

Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Bar Association of Lehigh County on whose Board of Directors he served for several years, including as Secretary and Chair of the Continuing Legal Education Committee. BALC honored him with its 1985 President’s Legal Eagle Award, and for his efforts in developing its CLE program. In 2020 he was recognized for 50 years of service and membership.

Jim was a member of the Muhlenberg College Board of Associates, the Allentown Zoning Hearing Board (1975-1984), and Allentown Planning Commission (1980-1984).

During the 1980s he was an adjunct professor of paralegal studies at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, and lectured at Lehigh County Community College.

Jim is a Roman Catholic and an active member of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown since 1967 where he served for many years as lector, and more recently in the Cathedral Choir. He collected art, mostly Pennsylvania impressionists, lapel pins, and enjoyed playing cards, the Allentown Symphony, and Viking and University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish athletics.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 20th in the Cathedral Church of Saint Catharine of Siena 1825 West Turner Street, Allentown. Friends and family may call from 9:15 – 10:45 A.M. in the church. Interment will be held in the Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com.