David Johns III

David Johns III

David Johns III, 78, of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in the St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network, Bethlehem, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in El Paso, Texas, on May 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Margaret Jean (Roberts) and David Johns Jr.

On May 18, 1974, David married the love of his life, Judith (Keller) Johns, in a beautiful ceremony at the Carmel Mission in Carmel, California. Their marriage of more than 50 years was filled with deep love, laughter and unwavering devotion.

David earned his bachelor's degree in business from California State University. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy for over six years during the Vietnam Era.

Professionally, he worked as a credit manager for several companies, but he found the greatest fulfillment during his years at J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills.

A man of service and community, Dave served as both a member and president of the West Penn Lions Club. He was also a proud member of the American Legion and the Tamaqua Elks Lodge.

Each year, he cherished returning to his childhood home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he remained active with the Remember Bataan Foundation.

Dave was a man of many talents and endless creativity. He loved woodworking, building model ships, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with his family and grandchildren. To those who knew him best, he embodied a unique blend of Bob Vila's craftsmanship, Hercules' strength, MacGyver's ingenuity and Steve Martin's humor - a truly exceptional man whose kindness and skill left an impression on everyone he met.

David is survived by his devoted wife, Judith; his daughter Jennifer, wife of William Riegle of Orwigsburg; and his son, Nathan Johns, husband of Stephanie (Gursky), of Tamaqua. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Grant and Suzanne Johns and William and Kathryn Riegle, and by Christine Verdier of Mary D, who was as close to a daughter as one could be.

Services: Celebration of Life service and interment will be held at White Church (Christ UCC), 132 Church Road, Barnesville, Rush Township, on Monday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to call from 9-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Tamaqua American Legion Post 173. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home, Orwigsburg, is honored to be serving the family.