James Marlin Stepp, Sr.

James “Big Jim” Marlin Stepp, Sr.

"You can't eat flowers." -

James “Big Jim” Marlin Stepp, Sr., age 80, of Carlisle, died at home and surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 3, 2015.  Jim was born on Saturday, August 10, 1935 in Oberlin, PA to the late Warren A. Stepp and Blanche (Reed) Stepp.  In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his three sisters:  Doris Spoljanic, Gloria Juran, and Romaine Horner.

Jim’s survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Fern Elizabeth (Sanderson) Stepp; his two children: James Stepp, Jr. and his wife, Sharon, of Carlisle, Brenda L. Snyder and her husband, Leon, of Lebanon; his six grandchildren: Christine M. Stepp, Cindy L. Gonzalez and her husband, Max, James “JR” R. Stepp and his wife, Teresa, Joseph L. Stepp and his fiancée, Franchesca, M. Daniel Rider and his wife, Mindy, M. David Rider; his sixteen great-grandchildren:  David M. Hartman, Kayla M. Hartman, Logan N. Williams, LaNiece E. Fowler, Malinda M. Stepp, Dylan James Richard Stepp, Tyler Stepp, Thomas Stepp, Alex Delp, Tommy Delp, Lilly Keller, Jordan Gonzalez, Jaylen Gonzalez, Josephine Howell, Devon Best, Aliya Best; his one great-great-granddaughter, Lai’Lony Harmony Roman; his two brothers: David Stepp, Warren “Butch” Stepp; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim attended Swatara High School .  He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve .  Jim held various positions at Carlisle Shoe Factory in Rutherford, Ralston Purina in Mechanicsburg , and Eastern Consolidation and Distribution Services, Inc. in Camp Hill.  He coached baseball in Silver Spring Township for some time.  Jim was an avid vegetable gardener because, as he would say, “You can’t eat flowers.”  Jim’s family remembers his nice singing voice.  Most of all, Jim enjoyed fishing and attending Penn National horse races with his wife, Fern.

All are welcome to join Jim’s family at his viewing on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. until time of service at 7:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Del Keeney officiating.  Burial will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. in Churchville Cemetery in Oberlin.  Honored to be pallbearers are:  James “JR” R. Stepp, Joseph Stepp, Max Gonzalez, M. David Rider, David Hartman, and Tommy Delp.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Monroe Township Baseball Association – CV West Little League, 1267 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jim’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .