James F. Kanaskie, 66, of Hollywood, FL, passed away at home on November 12 surrounded by his family following a brief but valiant battle with cancer.  A Pennsylvania native,  Jim was the son of the late William T. and Eunice C. Kanaskie, grandson of Kate and Walter Lukoskie and Mary and Joseph Kanaskie, all of Shamokin, PA.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years Ursula Kanaskie, loving sons: Matthew (Katie) and Michael Kanaskie, Orono, MN; and cherished granddaughters: Leah, Isabella and Lolita Kanaskie; dear sisters: Diane Kanaskie Wuycheck and Janet Kanaskie, both of Pittsburgh, PA, and brother: Stephen (the late Mary Kanaskie), of Shamokin, PA; nieces: Nicole (James) Luta, Shamokin, and Tara Martz (Peter) Schlenker, Camp Hill, PA.  He is also survived by daughters-in-law: Brigitte Medina Applegate, Raquel Christina Napier and grandchildren: Brandon Scott Miller, Devin John Miller, and Kennadee Quinn Applegate.

Jim grew up in central Pennsylvania’s coal region and was a 1971 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School where he was on the wrestling team. “Gator” became his enduring nickname.  He is a 1975 alumnus of Penn State University where he majored in vocational rehabilitation.  He landed a position in South Florida in a delinquency day program for boys. He subsequently held sales positions of increasing responsibility with a number of South Florida companies. He was an avid runner and Florida sports fan.

Arrangements entrusted to: Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 6400 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33024.