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James Lesher Obituary
James D. "Jimmy" Lesher Jr., 67, of Topton, died Saturday, March 22, 2014 in the inpatient hospice unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the husband of Bonita L. "Bonnie" (George) Lesher. They were married April 28, 1973. Born in Topton, he was a son of the late James D. Sr. and Hope C. (Keiser) Lesher.
He was a member of Longswamp United Church of Christ, Mertztown.
Mr. Lesher was a 1964 graduate of Brandywine Heights High School, where he later was employed as a custodian for 17 years, retiring in 2011. Prior to that, he worked as a laborer at the former Caloric Corporation, Topton, for 26 years.
Jimmy was a former member and past president of the Topton Jaycees. He also was a former Cub Master of Cub Scout Troop #510, Topton; a member of the Kutztown Fire Company and Topton Fire Company Beneficial Association; an honorary member of the Brandywine Heights Cascade Brigade Juggling Club; and performed with the Brandywine Minstrels in the 1960's and 1970's.
Jimmy was a loving husband, father, pappy, and friend. He would always bring a smile to everyone's face, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife; sons, Andrew D., husband of MaryAnn (Kostenbader) Lesher, Alburtis, Jonathan R., husband of Debbie J. (Zielke) Lesher, Louisville, KY; sister, Geraldine (Lesher), wife of Paul Stoudt, Topton; brother, John R. Lesher, companion of Maxine Rodgers, Leesport. There are also four grandchildren: Spencer W. Lesher, Allie H. Lesher, Zachary J. Lesher, Joshua R. Lesher.
At Jimmy's request, an informal gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Graveside services will be private in Longswamp Union Cemetery, Mertztown. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Brandywine Heights High School Art Club, c/o Brandywine Heights Area School District, 200 West Weis Street, Topton, PA 19562.
Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Lesher
March 31, 2014
To Bonnie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. I'm sure Jim will be missed by a great many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all Maryann & Jim Boyer.
Nancy Berger
March 29, 2014
Bonnie and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one...treasure all the wonderful memories you have, they will help get you through this difficult time....
Sue Link
March 27, 2014
Bonnie, Andrew & Jon
I couldn't find the words at first to put down after I heard of Jimmy's passing. He was like my 2nd dad, I've always said that to everyone. I have so many memories, when I was little of him babysitting Gary and I and then as I got older to him teaching all of us how to drive a car. When we were all married and went camping, it was such a blast. I will miss seeing him in the audience of the minstrel. So many memories...I will miss him terribly. I know he is in heaven with Mom watching over us until we see them again. He will always have that special place in my heart!
Karen Fegley
March 26, 2014
Bonnie,
So sorry to hear about Jimmy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
March 26, 2014
I will miss you dear Jim,(Pappy) we had many beautiful years together. There will be no more pain and suffering. You are at peace and watching us from heaven. Love you forever and ever............Bonnie
March 26, 2014
Jon and Debbie,
Dale and I were so saddened to hear about the loss of your Dad. It's always heart wrenching to hear about someones loved one passing on. Our thoughts are with you and you're family.
Love,
Dale and Karen
Carol Turner
March 26, 2014
Bonnie, Andrew and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing.
Jimmy was a fun loving person and will be missed by all who knew him.
I had the pleasure of going to school with him, he always made everyone laugh.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol (Bortz) Turner
Judy Luckenbill Brett
March 25, 2014
As another Topton child I remember "Jimmy" from first grade, and of course we went all through school together. I am sorry to learn of his passing as I do also remember his ever ready smile. It never changed and was always so welcomed. I just know he will bring joy to heaven!
March 25, 2014
I remember Jimmy from high school. What a great and fun guy he always was. God Bless all of you for your loss Karen Schappell-Breshers
Joan,Mary Jane,Arlene Sands,Hartman, Stoudt
March 25, 2014
Bonnie and family sorry for your loss he will be missed
Donna Christman
March 25, 2014
Bonnie and Andrew...You have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband/father.. I only got to see James once a year...but it was always a pleasure God Bless you both in your time of sorrow
Lori Readinger
March 25, 2014
Bonnie, Andrew and Jon,
I can't believe Jimmy is gone. He was like my adoptive father. He encouraged me to play the piano, he taught me how to drive a car, and how could I possibly forget those camping trips? Between him singing "We are the lollipop kids" around the campfire and all the mishaps with the campsite picnic tables.... I will never ever forget him, he will have a special place in my heart forever.
Carol Bortz
March 25, 2014
Bonnie and Family, So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol
Donna Robinson
March 25, 2014
My sympathies to the Lesher family. Jimmy was a kind man who always had a smile on his face. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jean Reichard
March 25, 2014
Bonnie and Family so sorry for your loss I know he is at a better place now he will b missed a truly good man.
karen Juzbasic
March 24, 2014
I will never forget all of the help you gave me and talks we had you will be deeply missed. Bonnie take care and please let amanda know if we can do anything.
Ellen Snyder
March 24, 2014
Bonnie and Everyone,So sorry for your loss.Jimmy was the best guy. Always had a smile.
Kirsten Paxson
March 24, 2014
Bonnie. My heart hurts for your family. Jimmy was a breath of fresh air. I looked forward to chatting with him in the hallways and listening to stories of the grand babies. He was always excited to see my girls when they would hang out in my classroom after school. To say that I am sorry for your loss wouldn't even begin to express my sincerest condolences. Jimmy's passing is a loss to us all. I will miss his brilliant smile, gentle nature, and friendship. My love to you as you deal with these difficult days ahead. Kirsten Paxson (Ferry).
Jeremy Harbonic
March 24, 2014
Jon Andrew Bonnie and family I am sorry to hear of your loss. He will always be looking over you and guiding you through these tough times. Thinking of you during your time of sorrow.
March 24, 2014
Bonnie and Family,
Sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing, was looking forward to burn a hot dog for him at the family reunion.
Our deepest condolences
Patti and Butch
March 24, 2014
Jon, Our prayers are with you and your family.
"God Bless Ya" Psalm 9:9
Felix and Betty Ross, Lexington, Ky
karen Ferreira
March 24, 2014
Sorry to hear about Jimmy - was a great friend in High School - always made us laugh - God Bless you & your family
Pauline Watts
March 24, 2014
Dear Bonnie,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Betty & Feryl Miller
March 24, 2014
Dear Bonnie, Andrew, and Jonanthan:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your famalies at this time. We will never forgot all the laughs we had in our younger years with him. Bunch of laughs with good memories. May he rest in peace.
Kelly Master-Hackman
March 24, 2014
Jimmy will be missed greatly! Prayers and hugs to all of you! Heaven gained a wonderful angel and is protecting you now and forever! Lord, please hold the Lesher family in your arms and provide them light when the days are dark for them, give them peace and strength as the days go on...Amen xoxo.
Jerry Battenfield
March 24, 2014
I worked with Jimmy for many years at Brandywine Heights Area High School. He was the kind of man who would do anything to help out, and he definitely always was willing to lend a hand to others, including our Cascade Brigade Jugglers. He was such a fun person to be around...I often joked with him that I needed him to fill-in to juggle flaming torches in our juggling shows...and he probably would have attempted it if I seriously needed him to do it. I know my colleagues at BHHS appreciated the fine work he did there. He often went above and beyond the call of duty. He was just a very respectful, caring, and witty person. My friend Jimmy will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Bonnie, Andrew, and Jon...I am thinking about you at this difficult time. God Bless You.
Leigh and Mark Maroni
March 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of prayers your way.
March 24, 2014
When I was in second grade I met Jimmy Lesher. He was a great neighbor and would throw softballs with us in the back yard. He took us to Suburban for ice cream and always to this day felt bad about the time I pinched my finger in his car door. Over the years he became a great friend. I loved seeing him every day at school and always felt he took extra special care of me and my classroom. He would allow me to be in my classroom after school and never complain when I got in the way of him doing his job. He even hid extra supplies in my cupboards so that he would have them if needed. He always called me his sweetheart and I will never forget the smile that he always had. He had the biggest heart and truly was loved by all who knew him. I know he is an angel and hope that he finds peace. I will miss you, my friend. Sending big hugs to Andrew Lesher, Jon Lesher, and Bonita Lesher and their families from me and the Angstadt family. Jimmy will live in the hearts of all of us who loved him.
Laura Parrish
March 24, 2014
Lesh, I am so very sorry for your loss!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!
Chuck, Brenda, June and CharLee Greene
March 24, 2014
Dearest Lesher family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man who has touched many hearts. We have truly been blessed, as the world was a better place with him in it. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jim, you will be sorely missed.
Love,
Andrew Lesher
March 24, 2014
Dad, I love you so much! I can't believe you are gone. I know you are forever in my heart. You did a great job raising Jon and I and I would never change a thing. Thanks for always being there for me! I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
Crystal and Bryce Reider
March 24, 2014
Dear Bonnie and Family, we are very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was a great person and will truly be missed. I remember the days of the Halloween parade and his excitement and love for the band and "his kids". May the memories you hold dear in your heart comfort you during this difficult time.
Debra Snyder
March 24, 2014
Bonnie and family I am so sorry to here about your lost you will be in my prayers
Patricia Merkel Siegfried
March 24, 2014
Bonnie, Andrew and John you my deepest symapthy. I will always remember his smile. You all will certainly be in my prayers.
Dena Lewis
March 24, 2014
Bonnie, Andrew and Jon, my heart breaks for you. Jimmy will be missed. I will always remember the good times on Washington Street, he always made Tim and I laugh.
Nita & Butch Hess
March 24, 2014
Bonnie and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. We will miss him so much. He always made us laugh. You have our deepest sympathy and love.
karen fridinger
March 24, 2014
Gerry & Family, so very sorry for your loss
March 24, 2014
Bonnie and family You have our sympathy in this time of sorrow. You will be in our prayers
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