Edward James "Jim" Kimler

Edward James "Jim" Kimler passed away in the company of family at his home in State College, Pennsylvania on Thursday March 13th, 2025. Jim was born on February 14th, 1938 in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Edward and Mildred Kimler. He had one younger brother, Arthur. After graduating from East Stroudsburg High School, he served in the US Air Force, an opportunity which saw him stationed in Japan. Upon his return to Pennsylvania, he met Janice Labar on a night out dancing and they were married for nearly sixty years, from August 16th, 1963 until her passing in 2022. He was a loving and patient companion to Janice as she battled Alzheimer's Disease.
Jim is survived by his son Brad Kimler and his wife Lisa of Natick, MA and his son Brian Kimler and his spouse Jeff Hartzell of State College, PA. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Hannah, Jared (Margaret), and Tommy (Hannah), and his two great-grandchildren Maya and Lars, who affectionately referred to him as "Great Baba". He was immensely proud of his family.
Jim and Janice raised their two sons in Stroudsburg, where Jim worked as a lineman for Metropolitan Edison. They had many close and lifelong friends, many of whom they met at Middle Smithfield Presbyterian Church. When the boys were young, Jim purchased an RV and the family traveled extensively throughout the United States. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He shared many passions with his sons including football, travel, and good food. He was far from a picky eater and especially enjoyed Brian's prime rib, Brad's seafood gumbo, Jeff's cheesecakes, and Lisa's almond brittle. He also loved spicy Thai and Indian dishes but nothing would ever compare to getting his hands on an ungodly amount of milk chocolate.
As a grandfather, Jim enjoyed teasing his grandkids with his grouchy alter ego "Old Jeb" and taking them sightseeing with Janice around the Poconos and beyond when they came to visit.
There will be a small, informal service for friends and family at 11 am on April 5 in the cemetery behind the United Church of Christ in Stone Church, PA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local animal shelter-- for a man who was fairly old school when it came to sharing his feelings, he could never quite manage to disguise his affection for dogs.