James "Jim" Harold Funkhouser, Sr.

James “Jim” Harold Funkhouser, Sr.

“Mayor of Woods Drive” -

James “Jim” Harold Funkhouser, Sr., age 94, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.  Jim was born on Wednesday, March 2, 1927, in Springfield to the late Joseph Funkhouser, Sr. and Gladys (Britton) Funkhouser.  Jim was the widower of Grace E. (Bollman) Funkhouser, whom he married on September 13, 1953, and who died on June 25, 2018.  In addition to his parents and wife, Jim is preceded in death by his two brothers: Joseph Funkhouser, Jr. and Jack Funkhouser.

Jim’s survivors include his two children: James “Jim” Funkhouser, Jr. and wife, Cindy, of La Crescenta, CA, Nancy DelSanto and husband, James, of Camp Hill, PA; his four grandchildren: Karen Bunch and husband, Greg, of Montrose, CA, Adam Funkhouser of Montrose, CA, Sarah Moore and husband, Brian, of Dauphin, PA, Joseph DelSanto and significant other, Jenny Staub, of Dillsburg, PA; his great-granddaughter, Luna DelSanto of Camp Hill, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Springfield and raised in Albion where he graduated from Albion High School as part of the class of 1944.  He then served the United States Army before moving to Harrisburg to work for the state.  It was that move to Central Pennsylvania that led Jim to meet his future bride of 65 years.  He retired from IBM in Mechanicsburg, after 20 years of service.  Jim was a long-time member of Silver Spring Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsburg for over 50 years.  Together, he and Grace were very active in the church.  The two always volunteered their help with the annual Fall Fest.  Jim was also a member of the Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302 in Mechanicsburg for more than 50 years.  He was very active in Silver Spring Township and served as Judge of Election.  Jim went to all the public meetings and was always in the know; he was affectionately known as the, “Mayor of Woods Drive”.  For over 30 years, he enjoyed being a HAM radio operator, using K3MSH as his call sign.  Jim was an avid reader who was always reading works by his favorite author, James Patterson.  He loved spending time with his family.  They often went camping together when the children were younger.  Jim will be remembered for his humor and sweet-nature.

All are welcome to join Jim’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Friday, April 2, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Donald B. Wahlig officiating.  Jim’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Interment in Silver Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mechanicsburg will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Jim’s life can be made to Lifesong Hospice & Palliative Care, 3880 TecPort Drive, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111, www.lifesongfoundation.org/donation.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jim’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.