James E. "Jim" Hyer

James "Country" Hyer, 82, of Souderton, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery.

He was the beloved husband of Elsie (Garis) Hyer, with whom he shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Fenwick, West Virginia, Jim was the son of the late Ward Hyer and the late Icy Elizabeth (Douglas) Hyer. A proud graduate of Richwood High School, Class of 1961, Jim went on to work for Merck & Co. in West Point, PA, where he dedicated 32 years of service before his retirement.

Jim was a member of the Great Swamp Fish & Game in Quakertown and the American Legion in Souderton. He was also a devoted member of Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, where he faithfully served as an elder.

Jim proudly served his country during the Vietnam era, in the US Navy. He served on the USS Randolph. During his service as a Culinary Specialist (previously known as Commissary man), he earned the respect and admiration of his fellow sailors for his incredible cooking skills and tireless work ethic. He often said that a good meal was the best way to keep morale high.

Known for his warm heart and love of the outdoors, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling across North America. He also had a great appreciation for good food and fellowship.

He is survived by his children: Gregory J. Bencsik and wife Kathleen of Sellersville, Christopher T. Bencsik and wife Gayle of Souderton, Bradley J. Hyer and wife Sara of Souderton, and Kathleen D. DeMeyere and companion John Buell of Green Lane; his daughter-in-law Cindy Bencsik of Huntingdon; his eleven grandchildren - Justin, Adam, Dan, Talia, Tyler, Chelsie, Morgan, Calvin, Nate, Dylan, and Connor; and fifteen great-grandchildren - Graham, Owen, Ella, Kinsey, Anya, Ilana, Aliyah, Andon, Torin, Olivia, Luke, Eve, Damien, Blake, and Trent. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Steinheimer and her husband Robert of Adamstown, MD.

In addition to his wife Elsie, Jim was preceded in death by his son Frank L. Bencsik, granddaughter Jamie Joy Bencsik, three brothers Calvin, Harvey, and C. Huey Hyer, and sister Sarah Lemonine Goheen.

Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St., P.O. Box 237, Silverdale, PA 18962, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's memory to one of the following:

Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 – www.alz.org/delval

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3819 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19034

Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St., P.O. Box 237, Silverdale, PA 18962

Arrangements are by Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.andersfh.com