James M. Leitzel

James M. Leitzel, 77, of Lykens, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 29, 2024 at his home with his wife by his side holding his hand.
Born in Lansdale on Wednesday, December 25, 1946, a son of the late Kermit and Minnie Elizabeth Hand Leitzel. Jim was a graduate of Wiconisco High School.
He was a proud United States Army Veteran where he served during the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. Following his time in Vietnam, Jim spent 24 years in the Army, retiring in 1991. He then worked construction with T.L. Rowe Construction until 2000. He most recently was driving for the Amish before becoming ill.
Jim was a life member of the Gratz VFW and a member and past commander of the former Elizabethville VFW.
When he was not working, he could be found fishing, using his metal detector, cooking, and being out in the mountains. Hunting with family and friends brought him great joy, especially going on his hunting trip to Alaska.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Elwood Leitzel; two sisters, Carol Leitzel and Doreen Snyder; a nephew, Vincent Snyder; a niece, Noreen Bousman; two step-grandsons, Josiah and Elijah Whalen.
Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Michelle Shadle Leitzel; a daughter, Jane Hoffman, Williamstown; two grandchildren; two stepchildren, Danielle Lebo Miller, Tower City, and Matthew Lebo, Williamstown; six step-grandchildren; four brothers, Donald Leitzel, Wiconisco, Gary Leitzel Berrysburg, Craig Leitzel, Valley View, and Dave Leitzel, Orwin; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A funeral procession will leave the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City at 2:15 PM on Monday, November 4, 2024 to the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, where services will be held at 3:00 PM with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To send condolences, visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com.