Lance E. James, 70, of Topton, died peacefully Wednesday, April 9, 2014 in his residence. He was the husband of Paulette A. (DeLong) "Cooky" James. They were married September 23, 1967.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Henri A. and Frances J. (Kern) James. Mr. James was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Topton, where he was a former past president and member of the church council, and a lay minister. He was a 1961 graduate of Kutztown Area High School and attended Kutztown University. Mr. James was a United States Marine veteran serving as a Lance Corporal during the Vietnam War. He was employed as an inspector by APD Cryogenics, Allentown, and Air Products, Inc., Trexlertown for over 25 years. Most recently, he was employed as a delivery driver by Rite Aid, Kutztown for three years, and a driver for Hertz Car Rental, Allentown, for over five years.

Lance held various positions in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (I.A.M. & A.W.) No. 917. He was a member Huguenot Lodge #337  F. & A.M., Kutztown; Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton; a member of the consumer advisory council for Capital Blue Cross for over 20 years; played a significant role in starting Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and was a member of the Marine Corps Drill Instruction Association. He was also influential in starting the Men's Ministry group at Trinity Lutheran Church, Topton. Lance was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved western movies, slapstick comedy, and "pun" jokes. He was also an avid supporter of his grandchildren's athletic activities; and was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by Wife; Daughters, Holly B. James, fiancé of Tracy N. Loader, Exeter Twp., Hope M. (James), wife of Mike F. Distasio, Oley, Rachel D. James, Topton; Son, L. Eric, II, husband of Jennifer N. (Karlin) James, Rapid City, South Dakota; Sisters Heather J. (James), wife of Robert Howell, Mohnton, Erin D. (James), widow of Forrest Hertzog, Topton. He is also survived by 6 Grandchildren, Kayla A. Distasio, Frankie C. Distasio, Kazandra Loader, Nick M. Distasio, Natalia M. Distasio, and Sal Distasio. He was predeceased by a Sister, Wendy J. (James) Musselman.

Memorial Services are Monday, April 14, 2014 at 11:00 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, 121 South Home Avenue, Topton. Military honors, provided by Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, will be rendered following the service. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call Monday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the church.

The family requests contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund; P.O. Box 37, Topton, PA  19562-0037. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Topton, PA.