James V. (Jim) Roth Sr., 90, a longtime Emmaus resident, died Sept. 11, 2020, at Luther Crest Senior Living, Allentown. He was the husband of Sylvia (Prete) Roth for 66 years. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Albert and Phyllis (Keiper) Roth.

He was a 1948 graduate of Allentown High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown State Teachers College in 1954.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed at Landstuhl, Germany.

In 1961, he earned a master’s degree in education from Lehigh University.

He was a teacher in the East Penn School District for 33 years, at Emmaus High School as a biology and special education teacher and at Emmaus elementary schools and Eyer Junior High School as a guidance counselor. During his years as a teacher, he also served as an assistant coach and scout for Emmaus High School football and basketball teams and was president of the East Penn Schoolmen’s Club.

He enjoyed traveling, camping, golf, bowling, drawing and having fun with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was an active member of The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus.

He was a member of American Legion Post 0191, VFW Post 7088 and the Emmaus Mercantile Club. He also participated in many civic activities such as fundraising for the Emmaus Halloween parade.

He will be deeply missed and remembered for his love of life and his family and friends, his love of teaching and his students and his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife; a son, James V. Jr. and his wife, Annette, of Emmaus and grandsons, Gregory, Benjamin and Jared; a son, Frank A. and his wife, Helene, of Havertown and granddaughter, Emily and her husband, Robert Hampson, grandson, Andrew and his wife, Kristin and great-grandchildren, Caroline and Alexander Hampson; a sister, Karen I., of Allentown. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert A., of Emmaus.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 3461 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Emmaus, 18049.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.