Bishop James C. Timlin, the eighth Bishop of Scranton, died Easter Sunday at Marywood Heights in Scranton. He was 95.
Born in Scranton, he was ordained a Bishop on Sept. 21, 1976. On June 7, 1984, Timlin became the first man born within the Diocese of Scranton to serve as its leader. He was appointed Bishop of Scranton by His Holiness, Pope St. John Paul II.
Timlin was named in a Pennsylvania statewide grand jury report on sexual abuse by priests and efforts to cover up the misconduct. According to the 2018 report, despite Timlin knowing about the abuse by priests, he allowed them to remain in ministry.
Timlin’s 19-year term as bishop was the second longest in diocesan history.
While serving as Bishop Emeritus, Timlin was appointed administrator of St. Joseph Church in Wilkes-Barre in 2004. He became rector of Villa St. Joseph, the home for retired priests of the Diocese in Dunmore, in July 2004.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending, according to the diocese.