James H. Warmkessel

James H. Warmkessel, 87, formerly of Emmaus and Macungie, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27 at Arden Courts Memory Care in Allentown. Jim was married to LeAnn (Moyer) Warmkessel, with whom he shared over 65 years of marriage.

Jim was born in Emmaus on January 17, 1938 to the late Richard and Ella (Race) Warmkessel. He was the brother of Sarah Brugger of Bethlehem and Miriam Mazza of Easton. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Warmkessel Jr. and his sister Elizabeth Pantzer.

Jim graduated from Emmaus High School in 1955, where he served as class president and played varsity baseball and football. As an adult, he continued his education by earning a bachelor of science degree at DeSales University and an MBA degree at Lehigh University.

From 1958 to 1960, Jim served in the US Army, in which he was assigned to the United Nations Command, Military Armistice Commission, in Panmunjom, Korea. After returning to the Lehigh Valley, he worked in financial roles for Union Bank and Trust and East Penn Foundry before joining Mack Trucks, where he held various professional roles in Mack's Finance Division from 1969 until his retirement in 2000.

Jim enjoyed being involved in the Macungie community, including coaching Macungie Youth baseball teams, volunteering at Das Awkscht Fescht, and serving on the Solomon's UCC church council and the Macungie Borough Council. In addition, Jim was an avid gardener, lifelong Penn State fan, baseball enthusiast, and a very proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Most recently he was a member of Bethany Church of Wescosville.

In addition to Jim's parents, brother Richard and sister Elizabeth, Jim was also predeceased by his grandson Drew Carraher and his son-in-law Scott Carraher.

Survivors: Wife LeAnn of Emmaus; sons, Robert of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and James D. (Bonnie) of Malvern; daughter Gretchen Carraher Kohler (Ben) of Zionsville. Grandchildren: Erin (Mike) Piazza; Brian (Charity) Carraher; Molly Carraher; Kyle Carraher; Jimmy Warmkessel; Jack Warmkessel. Great-grandchildren: Summer and Aria Piazza; Scott, Warren and Diana Carraher.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 24 at Bethany Church, 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville. Immediate family will receive attendees from 10:30-11 AM; services will begin promptly at 11:15 AM. A private burial will follow. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus, will be handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethany Church of Wescosville, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Shriners Hospitals for Children.