James "Jim" Leo Snyder

James “Jim” Leo Snyder

Gentle Soul and Devoted Husband and Father -

James “Jim” Leo Snyder, age 92, of Mechanicsburg, passed away at The Oaks Skilled Nursing at Bethany Village on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.  Jim was born on Thursday, July 19, 1928, in Allentown, PA to the late Earl McKinley Snyder and Mary Cecilia (Gallagher) Snyder.  In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his son, James “Jim” Steven Snyder, his daughter-in-law, Paulette Snyder; and three brothers and two sisters.

Jim’s survivors include his wife of almost 69 years, Bernice Arlene (Sweger) Snyder; his three children: Darci Blanck and husband Tom of Manheim, Paul Snyder and wife Lisa of New Cumberland, Jay Snyder and wife Kimberly of Palmyra; his nine grandchildren: James Blanck, Jeremy Blanck, Jordan Blanck, Lindsay Barbera, Jimmy Lee Snyder, Stephanie Snyder, Danielle Lowe, Abriana Snyder, Nicole Snyder; and his 12 great-grandchildren.

Jim attended Allentown High School and Allentown Central Catholic High School before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1946.  Jim earned his GED while stationed in Japan.  He served for 22 years in supply logistics, including in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Jim retired as a shift leader from Rite Aid Corporation in 1995, after 27 years working in supply logistics.  Jim was a member of VFW Post 7415 in New Cumberland.  He enjoyed watching Penn State football and his beloved Phillies baseball; as well as attending Cedar Cliff High School football games with his son, Paul, and coaching his son James’ Little League Baseball team.  Besides sports, old Westerns and television programs like M*A*S*H, Gomer Pyle, and Laurel & Hardy were entertaining to Jim.  His family fondly describes Jim as a gentle and compassionate soul who selflessly cared about all human beings.  You only had to ask, and Jim would be right there to help; whether it was a ride home after a long night of fun with friends or renovating a house.  A devoted husband and father who regularly taught his children life lessons; Jim’s greatest joy was being present and part of the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Jim’s presence in all their lives will be sorely missed.

All are welcome to join Jim’s family at his viewing on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant George Spangler 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.  Burial will follow the reception in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Enola, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard.  Honored to be pallbearers are:  James Blanck, Jeremy Blanck, Jordan Blanck, Tom Blanck, Will Carey, and Jason Lowe.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at Bethany Village who so compassionately cared for Jim during the past two years.

Contributions in celebration of Jim’s life can be made to the Humane Society of Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, http://www.HumaneSocietyHbg.org/Get-Involved/Donate/.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jim’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, 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.