James Marbarger

James Peter Marbarger, 83, of Muhlenberg Township, passed away March 17, 2017 in Reading Hospital & Medical Center, West Reading, surrounded by his loving family. He was a son of the late Harold C., Sr. and Dorothy V. (Sturm) Marbarger.

James was a 1952 graduate of Muhlenberg High School and a 1953 graduate of The Philadelphia Barber School.

He served in the U.S. Army on active duty as an MP from August 1953 to June 1955. He was stationed in Fort Sam, Houston, Texas.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis E. (Thomas) Marbarger. Also surviving are his four daughters: Kelly, wife of Stephen Bright; Amy Thomas, wife of Lucia Campeanu; Julie, wife of Robert McCarthy, all of Muhlenberg Township; and Erin, wife of Eric Schneider of Spring City, Chester County.

Other survivors include his grandchildren: Jessica, wife of Ryan Swartz; Morgan Bright; Colton Bright; Samantha Thomas; Joel Thomas; Lynda Selegean; Wesley McCarthy; Sydney McCarthy; Dru Schneider; and Alec Schneider; and his loving dog, Corky.

He is survived by three siblings: Mary Jane, wife of Homer Carley; Marjorie Ernst; and Marie, wife of William Adam.

Jim was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Oxenreider; and his brother, Harold, husband of Betty Lou Marbarger.

Jim was a barber in West Lawn and Kutztown prior to owning and operating "Jim's Barber Shop," Laureldale,

until retirement in 2003. He loved his job and enjoyed

conversations with his many devoted customers.

Jim was a caring loving father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.

He enjoyed biking, hiking, running, gardening, bird watching, and walking on the beach. He loved spending his summers at Rehoboth Beach and spent many hours lying in the sun, digging in the sand, collecting sea treasures, swinging in his hammock, biking and walking the boardwalk, all with his children and grandchildren.

Jim was a 27-year Guillian Barre survivor and we would like to thank everyone that cared for him during his rehabilitation and recovery. He was also a 2 1/2-year cancer

survivor and we would like to thank Dr. Simi Rai, Abby

and the entire Staff at the McGlinn Cancer Center at the Reading Hospital.

Services will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Laureldale Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name

to your favorite animal shelter, nature preservation society or the American Cancer Society, 498 E. Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605. Jim would love if you ran/walked the Relay for Life or participated in the Polar Bear Plunge.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.