James Philip "Jim" Canner

James "Jim" Philip Canner went home to be with his Savior on March 4, 2025 in his home after battling an unknown illness, surrounded by family as they sang the hymn "It is Well With My Soul". He was 83 years old. He was preceded in death by his father Ronald Canner, his mother Ruth (nee Loizeaux) Canner, his oldest brother Ronald Canner Jr., his son-in-law, Robert Hoffman, and his in-laws Gene and Muriel Grazier who viewed him as a son, not just a son-in-law.
He was born April 19, 1941 in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1959, completed his bachelor's at the University of Minnesota in 1963, completed his Master's at University of Missouri, Rolla in 1965 and his PhD in 1969 in Solid State Physics. He worked at several companies, but spent the majority of his career at Murata Electronics in capacitor research and development in State College, PA until 2004. Despite all of his academic and professional accomplishments, what defined him was not his work, but his relationship with Jesus Christ and his love for his family. He married his bride of almost 55 years, Alicia or "Lish", in 1970. They lived in South Carolina and New York before settling down in Pine Grove Mills, PA in 1978 where they have lived ever since.
He leaves behind his siblings: Paul (Martha) Canner, Jeanie (John) Scheidecker, and sister-in-law Marilyn Canner. His children: Amara (Tim) Hoffman, Seth (Jessica) Canner, Ethan (Beth) Canner, Bethany Canner (Tanya Belair), Judith Canner, Jordan (Emily) Canner, and Christi (Jeff) Smith. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren: Joel Canner, Aidan Canner, Arianna Fleck, Kaylana Hoffman, Donovan Hoffman, Tatiana Belair, Troy Canner, Brennan Canner, Nikolai Belair, Philip Canner, Ike Canner, Heidi Smith, Timothy Canner, Caleb Smith, Devynn Canner, and Nathan Smith; and his three great-grandchildren Cayden Fleck, Carter Fleck, and Cassian Fleck. In addition to caring for his family, he served as a father figure to many others.
His children remember him fondly for Saturday morning pancakes and french toast, perfect egg-in-the-middles, and introducing them to grilled cheese sandwiches and jelly. He spent each summer camping with his family, building beautiful memories of family togetherness and adventure. He was always quick to crack a joke and enjoy a bowl of ice cream. In his children's eyes, he could fix anything. After his retirement he helped to watch his grandchildren, volunteered at Mount Nittany Medical Center, and traveled the country with his wife, Lish. He went to Malawi, Africa with his wife and daughter (Judith) in 2013 to work with the mission organization Ruth's Shawl, where he taught the Bible in local villages and constructed reading glasses from kits to provide to individuals in adult literacy courses. He also regularly served in the processing centers for Operation Christmas Child, sorting and packing boxes to be sent around the world. In his free time, he loved to study the Bible, attend his Bible Study Fellowship group, and read extensively about the person of Christ and the history of the Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ruth's Shawl at https://ruthsshawl.org/donations (send checks to Ruth's Shawl, 1172 S. Main Street, Box #354, Salinas, CA 93901)