For 12 years, James “Jimmie” C. served as the Mayor of Scranton, but his political career didn’t end there. After his mayoral career ended in 2002, he was appointed as the deputy director of Governor Ed Rendell’s Northeast PA office in 2003. Jimmie continued with his busy career until 2009 when he retired to focus on his family and volunteer work, but all through his years in public office, he was living in pain.
Diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, Jimmie had always suffered from back pain. However, a fall roughly 12 years ago caused that pain to increase and his function to decline. With his back pain worsening, the former runner slowed his pace a bit by becoming a devoted walker. When his daily walks started to be interrupted by the persistent pain, he, at the advice of his granddaughter, sought a consult with a surgeon in Philadelphia. In July of 2018, the former mayor underwent a 10-hour surgery having titanium rods placed along his spine. After the lengthy surgery, and just over a week in the Philadelphia hospital, Jimmie returned to Allied Services Rehab Hospital in Scranton to begin his rehabilitation journey. With his in-patient stay, home health, and outpatient services, Jimmie has spent nearly 3 months working to regain his strength and stability.
With the support of his therapists and family, and his own hard work and determination, Jimmie has been able to progress tremendously and has found joy in getting back to walking on the Heritage Trail, one of his favorite pre-surgery pastimes. Currently using the aid of some assistive walking devices, Jimmie plans on returning to his regular walks and volunteer work without the need for such assistance.
In July of 2018, the former mayor underwent a 10-hour surgery having titanium rods placed along his spine. Since returning to the Scranton area after the lengthy surgery and 10 days in a Philadelphia hospital, Jimmie has spent nearly 3 months working to regain his strength and stability.
