James Alphonso Churchman

James Alphonso Churchman, age 55, of Mohnton, PA departed this life on October 10, 2025 surrounded by loving family and friends after a long hospitalization.

Jim was born on February 24, 1970 in Reading, PA, the son of Mrs. Lorine (née Mitchell) Churchman and Mr. Alphonso James Churchman.

Jim graduated from Reading High School in 1988 and went onto Lock Haven University where he held a dual major in Computer Science and English.

Jim’s childhood interest in cooking was nurtured and encouraged by his Aunt Bertha “Burt” Price who was a professional chef. Jim’s interest in the culinary arts became a full-blown passion during his first restaurant job at the famous Joe’s Restaurant at 7th & Laurel Streets in Reading where he worked his way up to sous chef and learned the high standards of fine dining as well as how to forage for mushrooms.

Jim then went to work at Sweet Street Desserts where he spent 31 years as a Research & Development Chef. Jim created some of Sweet Street’s most popular desserts such as the Strawberry LaBomba, Choc’late Lovin’ Spoon Cake and Salted Caramel Vanilla Crunch Cake and helped Sweet Street Desserts rise to global prominence in the gourmet dessert industry.

In addition to having a successful career in R&D, Jim opened Belly Kitchen and Drinkery in 2018 which eventually became the restaurant at Barley Mow. He retired from Sweet Street in 2023 to pursue his dream of opening a fine dining establishment in Berks County which he successfully achieved that same year with the opening of A Light in The Attic restaurant serving as Executive Chef until his illness in March of 2025. In addition to working at Sweet Street Desserts, Belly, Barley Mow, A Light in the Attic and serving as a consultant to a multitude of other restaurants, Jim also ran Homage, a successful catering company where he created bespoke menus for his clients for their weddings and special events.

Jim was a lover of nature, well-read, well-traveled and cultured. He enjoyed reading, writing poetry, photography and attending live performances of music, dance and theater. His favorite authors were Dr. Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. His favorite places to visit were Peru and Paris both of which he visited many times; living out his motto of “eat well, travel often.”

Jim donated his time and money generously to several charitable organizations such as the South Mountain YMCA, where he served as a member of the board, the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity of Berks County and the LGBT Center of Reading.

Jim’s father, Mr. Alphonso James Churchman, preceded him in death. Remaining to cherish Jim’s memory are his mother, Mrs. Lorine Churchman; his sister, Phyllis Churchman-Boyd (Henry Boyd); his niece, Sydney Boyd; his god-daughters, Alex Yarde and Sage Olkus and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Bynden Wood Lodge 201 Cushion Peak Rd Reinholds, PA 17569 on Sunday October 26, 2025. Visitation will be from Noon to 1:00pm and service will begin at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s name may be made to one of his favorite charities listed above.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to serve the Churchman family. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.