Robert F. James

Robert F. James, Lebanon, died on Tuesday December 25, 2012 in the Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon. He was 94 years of age. Born in Sherburne, NY, he was the son of Dr. Howard and Olivia Foote James. A sister, Lucille Day, Mohawk, NY died in 1979. Bob lived his youth in Mohawk, NY, attended local schools and graduated from Hamilton College, Clinton, NY in 1939. Drafted into the Army in March 1941, he received basic training and attended Officer Candidate School in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Upon graduation, Bob was assigned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Platoon Leader to the 34th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division with whom he served in five campaigns in the E.T.O. from Normandy to the Elbe River. Bob received his discharge in December 1945 with the rank of Major. When asked if he served with General George Patton, he would state that Patton served with him. After leaving the Army, Bob joined the Runkel Ford Organization as a partner in the Lincoln-Mercury Division. The two dealerships were later merged as R & J Motors, with Richard Runkel, his brother-in-law, as his partner. He retired in 1985 when the dealership was sold. In April 1946, Bob was married to Betty Runkel, Lebanon, whom he had met while training at Ft. Indiantown Gap before going overseas. They were married for 45 years until her death in 1991. In 1997, Bob married Beverly Santry of Little Falls, NY who died in 2008 after a marriage of 11 years. As a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Bob served as an usher for many years and on the Vestry as a Senior Warden. In the community, he served as treasurer of the Lebanon County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and also on the Greater Lebanon Hotel Enterprises. Bob also served on the Board of Public Assistance, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lebanon Country Club. He was an active member of the Lebanon Y.M.C.A. and was a member of several Masonic Organizations. Surviving are his daughters Barbara Boltz of Cornwall, and Beverly Burkhart, wife of Scott Burkhart of Lititz. Surviving grandchildren include Brian Boltz and wife Maria of Mechanicsburg, Sean Burkhart and wife Megan of Lancaster, Jennifer Burkhart of Harrisonburg, VA, and great grandchildren Finnegan and Elizabeth Boltz. Also surviving are step-daughter Mary Ellen Hinkle and husband Gregory of Bellevue, WA, and step-son Gregory Santry and wife Anne of Little Falls, NY. Funeral services will be held on Monday December 31, 2012 from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 South 6th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Terrance L. Wible officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the Church. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Cornwall Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or the organization of your choice. PDF Printable Version

Robert F. James

January 19, 1918 - December 25, 2012