H. James Gaugler Jr., 63, of Slatington, died Nov. 18, 2013, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He and his wife Patricia A. (Lipovsky) Gaugler celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in September.

Born Sept. 19, 1950, in Allentown, he was the son of Howard James Gaugler Sr. of South Whitehall Township and the late Ann L. (Tinsley) Gaugler.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

The auto body and collision repair instructor at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Schnecksville, for 35 years before retiring in 2007, he also owned and operated the former Slatedale Auto Center for 15 years.

He was a member of the Slatington Lodge 440, F.&A.M., and a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Cynthia J. McClaftery of Allentown; half-sister Paulette Neith of Florida; stepsisters Joanne Munshaur of Florida and Rosemarie Mahalik of Allentown; an aunt, Arlene Lindenmuth, of Allentown.

Expressions of sympathy may be recorded at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner Children's Hospital c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.