James M. “Cupcake” Gourniak Sr., 77, of Ormrod, died Dec. 27, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospice (Inpatient), Allentown. He was the husband of Andrea R. “Cookie” (Miller) Gourniak, of Allentown. Born in San Mateo, Calif., he was the son of the late Michael J. and Florentine R. (Steckel) Gourniak.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees CBMU-301 during the Vietnam War. He founded, owned and operated East Penn Hardwood Flooring in Allentown for 27 years before retiring in 2017.

He served as Chaplain of Egypt V.F.W. Post No. 7293, Whitehall. He was a member of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post No. 16, Slatington. He also served as PA District 14 Commander of the American Legion. He faithfully participated in many public events including funerals as part of the honor guard.

He attended St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Northampton. An avid “history buff,” he enjoyed entrenching himself into world history through reading and was a lifelong hobbyist of large scale model battleships. With a book in hand, he exemplified how knowledge is a key component for success through critical thinking.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, James M. II and his wife, Dr. Amy Gourniak, of Allentown; sister, Jane E. Smith-Decker and her husband, Conrad, of Millersburg; sister-in-law, Regina, of Bethlehem; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Jeffery.

A funeral service will take place 10:30 a.m. Jan. 2, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville, with the Reverend (Fr.) Vasil Bunik officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects 9:30-10:30 a.m. before the service. Military honors will conclude the service at the funeral home.

Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Egypt V.F.W. Post No. 7293 c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, 18078-0196.