Wyoming County Employees Bid ‘Farewell’ to Neary

Retiring deputy director of the Wyoming County Probation Department James Neary (above, center) is flanked by former president judge Brendan Vanston (left) and current judge Russell Shurtleff.

Photos and story by Rick Hiduk

(exclusive to EndlessMtnLifestyles readers)

Employees from numerous departments and offices in Wyoming County met in Courtroom 1 at the courthouse in Tunkhannock Today to participate in a brief ceremony marking the retirement of James Neary, deputy director of the county’s Probation Department. In his 31 years with the department, Neary worked under three president judges, the most recent being Russell Shurtleff, who organized today’s event.

He made it his goal to make Wyoming County a more stable and better place to live,” Shurtleff said of Neary’s legacy, noting that more than 13,000 judicial cases have been processed during Neary’s tenure.

Neary was noticeably humble about the fanfare, and Shurtleff assured those in attendance that the retiree considered the speeches, gifts, cake and luncheon “a bit much.” On the contrary, Shurtleff insisted, “It isn’t enough.” Shurtleff presented Neary with a shadowbox containing a badge.

Probation officer Krystle Kowalczyk, who said that she was holding onto Neary’s retirement badge until 4 pm on Friday, bid a tearful farewell to her colleague, telling him, “All the probation officers in the room owe you a lot of gratitude for everything you’ve taught us.”

Neary was clearly moved by the salutations, stating, “I’m thrilled to death. Thank you all for coming.”

Wyoming County commissioners Judy Mead and Tom Henry presented a plaque to Neary.

3 Comments

  1. Best of luck Jim, you will be missed! Enjoy your retirement.

  2. So proud of my brother Jim! What a lovely tribute! Enjoy the next chapter!!!

  3. What an awesome tribute to my brother Jim for all of his years of service. Jim you are now onto the next chapter of your live retirement, enjoy you earned it.

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