The Rev. James L. Knappenberger, 66, of Slatington, died Jan. 18, 2019, in his home.

He was the husband of the late Pamela Susan (Peters) Knappenberger.

Born March 12, 1952, in Allentown, he was the son of Shirley M.A. (Rumfield) Knappenberger at home and the late Warren W. Knappenberger.

A 1970 graduate of Parkland High School, and a 1974 graduate of West Chester University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education.

Continuing his studies by graduating from Moravian Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Divinity degree, he was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1977.

He began his ministry as a student pastor at St. Paul’s UCC, Indianland, then served Good Shepherd UCC, formerly Holy Trinity, Slatedale until 1990.

He accepted the call of senior pastor at St. Paul’s UCC, Trexlertown, from 1990-2007 and was elected pastor emeritus in 2012.

During his retirement, he served interim pastorates at Christ Church UCC, Bethlehem, and Ben Salem UCC, Andreas.

During his ministry, he served on the Board of Directors of Phoebe Terrace, two terms on the Board of Directors of the Penn Northeast Conference, and a General Synod Delegate.

He served on the planned giving committee and education divisions of the conference, as well as a two-term member of the discernment committee. He was a member of St. Paul’s UCC, Trexlertown.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a daughter Rebecca Amy Orth and her husband, David, of Whitehall; son the Rev. Joshua D. Knappenberger and his wife, Angela, of Bethlehem; companion Rose M. Borger, with whom he resided; brothers Glenn W. and his wife, Pamela, of Washington Township, Frank A. and his companion, Bonnie Gardner, of Lehigh Township, Gene and his wife, Debbie, of Macungie; and granddaughters Cora, Lily and Eva.

Expressions of sympathy may be made by heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund of St. Paul’s UCC, Trexlertown c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.