Obituaries

Rev. James Mugford Jr.
When a man’s steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with his ways. Psalm 37:23. And with those steps, God has taken our beloved father, Rev. James Mugford, Jr., home to his eternal reward. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ruth Bittel Mugford, in March 2012. They were married for over 60 years.
He was born in Everett, MA, the 3rd son born to the late James and Emmie Boone Mugford.
As a young man of 18, he felt God’s call on his life to preach the message of God’s love, forgiveness and salvation. He enrolled in the former Central Bible Institute in Springfield, MO and graduated in 1951. It was there he met Ruth and they were married that same year. Their ministry together encompassed over 60 years of preaching and pastoring in CT, IN, MA, ME, PA, and NY. He preached his most recent sermon in March of this year. Rev. Mugford was recently honored at the Penn-Del District Council for being an ordained minister for 50 years.
Rev. Mugford loved life and everything it offered. He was a gentle, kind-hearted man always willing to go the extra mile to help his fellow man. He loved to learn new things and was always asking questions to expand his horizons. His special interest was trains and the railroad system. He enjoyed the challenge of working with his hands to fix items others didn’t count worthy of their time. He took great pride in his vegetable and flower gardens in the summer and feeding and watching the birds during the winter season. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He beamed with pride at the mention of seeing or being with his grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren. His ultimate pleasure was sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with anyone who gave him the opportunity.
He is survived by his children, William (Rose) Mugford, Sharon (Will) Rideout, Deborah (Dan) Nollsch, his 9 grandchildren, Joshua (Cristen), Kristen (Chip), Mark (Elisa), Jennifer (Paul), Michelle (Faz), Julie, Joseph (Ehrin), Stephanie and Steven, and his 8 great-grandchildren, Cohen and Aaron, Andrew, Logan and Patrick, Lainey and Jack, and Jaila; two sisters, Lois (Joe) Quarantello, and Ethel (Russell) Grant; three sisters-in-law, Mary, Jean and Martha. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Cyril, Alfred and Ralph and one grandchild, Janet.
Funeral services will be held at Moosic Assembly of God, 477 Third St., Moosic, on Thursday, May 4th at 10 AM, with Rev. Russell Grant and Rev. David O’Brien officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park in Elmhurst Twp.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 5-8:00PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street in Old Forge. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave an online condolence.
Due to many family members having allergies, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moosic Assembly of God Memorial Fund, 477 Third Street, Moosic PA 18507 or the charity of your choice.