James Wayne Bathurst

James Wayne Bathurst, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Pottstown on February 27, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of Jo Ann (Schumacher) Bathurst. Jim and Jo celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past year - a testament to a lifetime built on partnership, loyalty, and love.

Jim was a longtime Pottstown resident, deeply rooted in the community he called home.

Born in Bellefonte, Centre County, Pennsylvania, on November 6, 1943, he was the son of the late James Sylvester Bathurst and Anna Viola (Bumbarger) Bathurst. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Delbert Bumbarger; his parents-in-law, Edward and Florence Schumacher; and sisters-in-law Leona Bumbarger, Judy Bathurst, and Virginia Schumacher.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann; his son, Timothy A. Bathurst, husband of Amy Jo Bathurst, of Philadelphia; and his daughter, Amy Bathurst-Francis, wife of Julian Francis, of Pottstown. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Rachel Bathurst, David Bathurst, and Samuel Bathurst, all of Philadelphia; Chloe Francis of Boston, Massachusetts; and Gabriel Francis of West Chester, Pennsylvania; as well as four great-grandchildren, Layla Abbott, Luke Abbott, Carter Lee Bathurst, and Mary Grace Pereira.

He is further survived by three brothers and a sister: Robert Bathurst of Lansdale; Dallas Bathurst, husband of Kate, of Pottstown; William Holloway, husband of Elaine, of Gilbertsville; and Karen Hine of Pottstown; his brother-in-law, Lee Schumacher of Fairfax, Virginia; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Jim was a fifth-generation Pennsylvanian and a graduate of Pottstown High School. He apprenticed at Bethlehem Steel and built a career as a structural steel detailer, a craft he genuinely loved and took great pride in. Even after retirement, Jim continued his work as an independent contractor, specializing in bridge detailing - often contributing to the restoration of aging structures.

Jim was also a fantastic cook and worked in the food service industry for many years, getting his culinary start in the kitchen at Sunnybrook Ballroom. In the 1980s, Jim and Jo operated a successful catering business serving the local community.

In 1994, Jim fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening a deli-style restaurant, Café Jas, in Pottstown. He operated Café Jas with his wife Jo and daughter Amy from 1994 to 2001, offering an eclectic menu of creative sandwiches, personal pizzas, lunches, dinners, and other specialties - unlike anything available in Pottstown at the time. On Saturdays, the smell of Jim's pig roasts, smoked ribs, briskets, and half chickens filled the air in the North End of Pottstown. As a result of its success, Café Jas briefly relocated to a larger location on High Street, and the family later operated the student grill at The Hill School.

Jim found great joy in being on the water and out on the road. He loved sailing, fishing with his grandchildren, and traveling with Jo Ann in their RV. Some of his happiest moments were spent sharing their RV with friends and family and, for many years, with their beloved dog, Masie.

Jim was deeply involved in the Pottstown community. He was a member of the Pottstown Jaycees for 14 years and served a term as president. He was very active at First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown, serving as a deacon and as a youth fellowship leader. He also cooked for many church activities and meals and was especially known for his spaghetti dinners, complete with homemade sauce and meatballs.

A devoted supporter of youth athletics, Jim served as a baseball and softball umpire for decades. He was a longtime Reading Phillies season ticket holder and loved taking friends and family to games. An avid sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching the Phillies, though he was never shy about pointing out when they weren't a World Series team - and when he thought Bryce Harper might be playing with a little too much ego. Above all, he loved the game of baseball and knew it inside and out.

This year, Jim marked 27 years of sobriety, recently receiving his 27-year AA coin. He often gifted his coins to others - a quiet gesture of encouragement and solidarity, and a tangible sign of his faith in them and the journey they were walking.

Jim touched countless lives quietly and without fanfare. He never sought recognition or accolades - he simply showed up. For family. For friends. For neighbors. For anyone who needed a steady voice, a helping hand, or quiet support. His impact was felt not in grand gestures, but in consistent presence, kindness, generosity, and quiet strength.

His life stands as a testament to quiet faithfulness - to showing up, staying steady, and believing in others - often long before they believed in themselves.

A memorial service will be held on April 18 at First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., with the service immediately following. A luncheon will follow in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown Deacons' Needy Assistance Fund.