Rev. James D. Koones

The Rev. James D. Koones, 88, of Coopersburg, PA, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023. He was the husband of Kathleen M. (Adams) Koones. Born in Kulpmont, PA, he was the son of the late James R. and Grace E. (Fabian) Koones. He was a 1953 graduate of Kulpmont High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Susquehanna University in 1957. He received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and was ordained at Muhlenberg College Chapel in 1962. Pastor Koones ministered to the congregations at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wernersville, PA, from 1962-1968 and at St. Paul's Lutheran (Blue) Church in Coopersburg, PA, from 1968 until his retirement in 1996. He also served as a part-time minister to deaf congregations in Reading, PA, and Allentown, PA, from 1968-1977. Surviving in addition to his wife are daughters Elisabeth M. Martin (Jay), Lebanon, PA; Karen S. Baumbach (Steve), Allentown, PA; and Mary M. Garrett (Jon), Annville, PA; grandchildren Cameron Martin, Justin Martin, Sydney Baumbach, and Lucian Garrett; sisters Jane Bush, Selina Reuter, and Michele Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Yoder, and a brother, William Kurtines. Burial service will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Emmaus, www.BKRFH.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oglala Lakota College, 537 Piya Wiconi Road, Kyle, South Dakota 57752; the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank, 417 N. 14th St., Suite 101, Allentown, PA 18102; or the United Lutheran Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325.