James J. "Jim" Desch, 85, of Allentown passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife Mary, beloved great grandson, Corey and his four children. Born July 6, 1935 in Chicago, IL, Jim was the son of the late Constantine A. and Clara R. (Schimanski) Desch. He lived his early years in Chicago, and its suburbs. He was a graduate of Lane Tech High School and attended the University of Illinois. He was a loving father and husband who was passionate about traveling and anything to do with aviation. He was proud to be an early and lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He used his entrepreneurial talents to create a very successful small business. When he was not working or doing handyman projects around his house, he loved to sit in West Park and listen to The Allentown Band. He also loved to hear and witness the spectacle of the Drum Corps International competition. The annual AirVenture of the EAA at OshKosh Wisconsin was a thrill for him to attend and he did so as often as possible. Jim was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him, in particular, his great grandson, Corey who was his constant companion the last 12 years.

Cleared for takeoff.

Survivors: In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by his children, Pamela J. Desch (Ron) of Harrisburg, Peter J. Desch of Chicago, IL, Patricia J. Desch (Ginny) of Alameda, CA, William S. Desch (Connie) of Sleepy Hollow, IL; great grandson, Corey; sisters, Marilyn Miodonski of Wheeling, IL, Carol Farina of Chicago, IL; former wife, Audrey M. Desch of Sleepy Hollow, IL; grandchildren, Izaak, Lauren, Preston; several nieces and nephews; predeceased by brother, Adam Desch.

Service: Private and at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Allentown Band in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 196 Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Apr. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Desch

Sponsored by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. - Schnecksville.

30 Entries

Allen and Suzie

April 16, 2021

Jim was such a great neighbor. We will miss seeing him in the yard and at Corey's bus stop. Our condolences to Mary, Corey and the entire family.

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

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2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

2014

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

Patricia Desch

April 11, 2021

Beautiful memories

Michael O'Gara

April 9, 2021

I am grateful to have developed a friendship with Jim through the many years we worked together. His humor, kindness, and love for his family are memories that will never be forgotten.
My deepest condolences, and sympathy to his family that he spoke so fondly of during our time together.

Audrey Desch

April 9, 2021

Rest in Peace Jim.

Jean Reinhart

April 8, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Erik Moseby

April 7, 2021

I am deeply saddened by the message that Jim is dead. For many years he was a best friend, my pilot and a great business partner. When he and I met outside of business we could talk for hours. Mostly about flying and airplanes but also about everything. I remember many years ago we had Calico in Baltimore and Jim and I we talked about airplanes and piloting to 3 am in the morning. I remember he called Mary twice to tell her that he was leaving soon.
We had two trips to Oshkosh together. We spent four days, one day travel and three days looking at airplanes. Jim was a walking encyclopedia on airplanes. He always knew something about almost all of them. If he saw something new, he always wanted to find the owner so he could find out more about that plane. He showed me the fighter jet that he participated in designing. He showed me the part that he had drawn. It was a real joy both those trips.
We often discussed business and marketing. Jim tried everything. He was very picky and always wanted things to be perfect. I learned a lot from him. We went to see many schools together and he always managed to build trust with the customer. He wanted to deliver a perfect solution every time. I will miss him very much.

Erik Moseby

April 7, 2021

As a Tandberg/Sanako representative I would like to recognize Jim’s contribution to our business and to send our condolences to his family.
Jim and Educational System Services was a Tandberg/Sanako representative for several decades. His work within our team was immense as he always provided positive contributions and valuable advice to our marketing and product development. There was never a No in his response when he was asked to participate. He clearly was an enhancer to our product line of solutions. His constant work with schools in NJ and PA to find and provide the right solutions for their needs made him one of the most successful Tandberg/Sanako representatives in this country. Jim will always be remembered as a member of our “family”.
Erik Moseby
President
Tandberg Educational

Walter and Christine Crowther

April 6, 2021

All our sympathy to a beautiful family in the loss of a truly wonderful man. We were honored to have known him. He has earned his wings. Fly free, Jim.

Michele Fiorito

April 6, 2021

Sending our love with deepest sympathy for the loss of your father.

All Our Love,
Frank, Michele, Nicholas, Nadine & Marie

Teddy Garrison

April 6, 2021

Pam,Pete,Pat and Bill.
Your dad was an important part of my life. I’m so glad your family moved right across the street from us literally a lifetime ago. Sooo many good times growing up...... I always admired your fathers sense of humor and kindness towards me. He will be missed by many. So glad I had the chance to know him and all of you.