by Jerry Connors, for the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission

Harrisburg, PA — James J. Durkin, Jr., 73, a former top official in the earliest years of Pocono Downs, died August 17, 2011, at his Dallas, Pa., home, according to an obituary in yesterday’s Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice newspaper.

Mr. Durkin served as vice president and manager of Pocono Downs from its inaugural season of 1965 and then as vice president and general manager of Shamrock Racing Association, the operation which managed the Thoroughbred meets at Pocono, until 1973. He also owned both racing Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds for almost three decades, and was a past member of the USTA.

Mr. Durkin also made his mark in the business world, working at and managing family businesses in the coal and waterworks fields. At the time of his death, Mr. Durkin was serving as president of Mountain Top Anthracite Inc.

Mr. Durkin is survived by his wife, Jeanne McLaughlin Durkin; children, Deborah, James III and Robert; two grandchildren; a brother; and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura; and his parents.

Friends may call on Friday (August 19) from 5-8 p.m. at the Snowdon Funeral Home of Shavertown; a memorial service will be held Saturday (August 20) at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre, with private interment to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Luzerne Foundation of Luzerne PA, or the charity of the donor’s choice.