James Kenneth Gurysh (Ken), 82, of Lewisburg and a Northumberland native, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Ken was born January 15, 1943 in Sunbury, PA, the son of the late Michael and Frances (Hopewell) Gurysh of Northumberland, PA.

Ken was a 1961 graduate from Northumberland High School and a Pineknotter through and through.  From Little League baseball to high school basketball, he was a sports enthusiast. He began golf at an early age and, in 1986, claimed the course record of 65 at Shade Mountain Golf Course.  Over the years he was a member at several golf courses in the Susquehanna Valley.  He served in the US Army Reserve,and then  graduated from the Allentown Barber School  and worked for his Uncle Kenneth “Subby” Herman prior to opening his own barber shop for several years.  He owned and operated his own home remodeling and construction business, which led to his love of building furniture.  He was a meticulous craftsman, making numerous items for his family as well as gifting and selling to others.  Ken also held several sales positions, which included M. Gubin and Sons clothing store, Sunbury Beauty Supply and he retired from the Butter Krust Baking Company of Sunbury, PA.  He was a true Jack of all trades. He was a member of the American Legion and past commander at Post 44 in Northumberland, and a life member of the Northumberland No. 1 Fire Company.  Ken had a quick wit and always enjoyed “workin’ on you” to earn a laugh, smile, or even an unfavorable comment back at him.  He was a dedicated friend to many and loved his family dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janey Darlene (Stuck) Gurysh and two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth J (Michelle) of Langhorne, PA, and Wade S (LeeAnn) of  Libertyville, Illinois, two granddaughters, Kiley and Taylor of Langhorne, PA. and two grandsons, Myles and Rory of Libertyville, Illinois, his brother David (Patti) of Clemmons, NC, sister-in-law’s Lois Stuck of Mifflinburg, PA. and Dolly Smith of Northumberland, PA.  In addition, numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Michael & Frances), his in-laws, Alvin and Gladys Stuck, his brother Michael and wife Rosemary, his brother-in-law, Wendel Stuck and his sister-in-law, Judith Stuck.

A celebration and remembrance luncheon for all of Ken’s family and friends (all are welcome) will be held on Saturday, March 15 at The Front Street Station in Northumberland, PA at 1:00 pm.  The family would be honored if you’d join them. 

A private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Ken’s memory to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org) or the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s (https://davisphinneyfoundation.org).  Please choose to dedicate the donation in Ken’s memory. 

Each site is slightly different, so when filling out the dedication information, please provide the following email address so our family can properly thank you.

nanagurysh@hotmail.com