James Randen Laska

James Randen “Spooch” Laska, 63, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.

He was born in Punxsutawney on August 31, 1961, a son of the late Daniel Joseph Laska and Mary Ann (Mayanchik) Laska.

On March 4, 2006, he married Kimberly Denise Dinger.  She survives and resides in Punxsutawney.  Through the good and the bad, they shared many memories and countless hours of laughter and remained steadfast for one another.

Jim was a kindhearted soul and did not have a mean bone in his body and would give the proverbial “shirt off his back” to anyone.  He had a quick wit and great sense of humor, he loved to laugh and enjoyed the laughter of others.  He had a gift for trivia and had knowledge of a little bit of everything from history to sports to obscure facts that amazed his family and friends. Dogs were drawn to Jim like a magnet.  He had an undeniable way with them, every wagging tail told the same story, they loved him as much as he loved them. Jim was a motor head from way back and always admired the old classic cars, when he wasn’t admiring an old car, you might find him enjoying watching a sport on television, cheering for his favorite team or reminiscing over the golden era of rock and roll, where the music was timeless and enduring as his spirit.

He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty and love, a reminder that even in passing, his light continues to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.

In addition to Kimberly, he is survived by one daughter, Autumn (Scott) Barbey of DuBois, one stepson, Devin Dinger of Incheon, Korea; two grandchildren, Olivia and Easton Barbey; two brothers, Richard G. Laska of Sportsburg, Father William Laska of Brookville; five sisters, Mary Ann (Vern) Stewart of Punxsutawney, Jeanne (Denny) Fustine of Brockport, Kathleen (Dr. Keith) Milliron of DuBois, Diane Marsh of Punxsutawney, and Christine (David) Gould of Glenshaw; sister in-law, Katie Laska of Punxsutawney; mother in-law, Evelyn “Effie” Dinger of Punxsutawney; sister in-law, Shelby (Ken) Bowser of New Bethlehem; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Daniel Laska, Jr. and brother in-law, Rob Marsh.

There will be no viewing.  Arrangements entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Brookville, celebrated by his brother, Father William Laska.

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