When he played the innkeeper during the Christmas City’s annual pageant, he would say there was no room in the inn. But there was always room in John Cornish’s heart for anything that would help others in his beloved city of Bethlehem.

Family and friends gathered Aug. 29 at Rosemont Lutheran Church on West Broad Street to remember Cornish, who passed away Aug. 1. During the memorial service, nephew Trent Cornish read the poem “The Clock of Life” by Robert H. Smith. One line, “live, love, labor with a will” described how John Cornish lived his life.

Oldest son Seth Cornish recalled that his father, born Sept. 16, 1928, told stories of eating ketchup sandwiches while growing up during the depression.

“He taught us to eat everything on our plates. We are still willing to try every single food once,” Seth said.

After starting his working life at age 12 selling newspapers, John was able to afford his first car at age 16, a 1934 Ford with a rumble seat that would hold 14 people.

“He never lost his love of taking people in his car and always had big car,” Seth recalled.

John worked for the Easton YMCA as aquatics director, a job which paid for him to attend Lafayette College. He worked multiple jobs during college, as night clerk, lifeguard, swimming instructor, resident advisor and steward, graduating from Lafayette in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

While at Lafayette, Cornish met his future wife, Nancy Ritter. His two sons knew that. What they didn’t know until much later was that, while working at the Lehigh riverfront swimming area as a life guard, John saved a person from drowning and received a Red Cross award. True to his humble nature, he didn’t mention the award and Seth said he only found the award a couple of years ago.

John served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, later attaining the rank of captain. During his 13 months in Korea, he spent time at a local orphanage, teaching the orphans singing and telling them about Jesus.

John worked at Bethlehem Steel, as railroad director of safety and training, and research engineer, when the research lab was still under construction, Seth recalled. During that time he earned his master’s degree at Lehigh University. He passed some of those lessons on to his sons, as Seth recalled his father teaching them techniques he learned in a speed reading course that helped in their own schoolwork.

John was involved in many local organizations as more than just a member.

“He was not just a name on a list,” Seth noted. “He was so involved. He never met a local cause he didn’t want to be involved in,” Seth said.

With all his activities, John found time to be involved with his sons, as evidenced by the YMCA Father-Son Award. He also served as president of the PTA.

“He really worked hard at being a good parent,” Set said. “We weren’t easy to handle.

“He left a big hole in our lives. He was a big man,” Seth added. “He was not a hypocrite. He lived and breathed his ideals.

“I’ve spent my life trying to emulate my father,” Seth continued, noting that when he went into real estate, “I couldn’t think of anyone else I wanted to be my partner. It was the best decision I ever made.” John worked with his son at Plaza Real Estate for 27 years.

Friends also spoke of John’s dedication during the memorial service. David Landis, president of the Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, said he began as lead shepherd, later third wiseman and then Joseph over the years. He said John showed him “the show must go on” and encouraged him when he became president 12 years ago. Landis recalled John was the innkeeper for 72 performances.

“John was my mentor,” he said.

Ken Clifford, president of the Resident Association at Lutheran Manor, said John was treasurer there.

“John had great ideas” which made the Manor a nice place for residents, Clifford recalled.

The memorial service continued with reading from Romans given by The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Ressetar, pastor emeritus of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, Harrisburg, who knew John from Lafayette.

Rev. Jack Steltzer, pastor of Rosemont Lutheran Church, recalled his last conversation with John, who had undergone surgery but was more concerned with getting out of the hospital and apologized for not being able to read the lesson at church that week.

“This city would certainly never be the same,” Steltzer said. He said John’s tenacious personality showed in his favorite words: yes, no and never give up.

“He said yes to life in so many memorable ways. I am very grateful for him,” Steltzer said.

But John also said no when it needed to be said.

“John took a stand on many things in his quiet humble way,” Steltzer said. “Without no, we would not know who we are.”

He recalled seeing John in church, “setting his watch to time my sermons” If John had a different viewpoint from the sermon, he would offer the comment, “interesting but different” and present his own views.

“When he liked a sermon I knew it. My inbox was empty,” Steltzer said.

He described John’s love for his wife and sons and how proud John looked when his granddaughter served as an acolyte for the first time.

While it may be difficult to picture heaven, Steltzer said, “We don’t know what is there but we know who is there.”

The memorial service concluded with the Great Scoutmaster’s Benediction, led by members of Boy Scout Troop 318, where John had been a scoutmaster, troop committee member and merit badge counselor. After “may the Great Master of all Scouts keep our hearts and minds until we meet again,”

a military honor guard from Fort Indiantown Gap in Anneville sounded taps and presented the ceremonial flag to the Cornish family.