James H. Warmkessel, 87, formerly of Emmaus and Macungie, died peacefully Dec. 27, 2025, at Arden Courts Memory Care in Allentown. He was married to LeAnn (Moyer) Warmkessel, with whom he shared more than 65 years of marriage.

He was born in Emmaus to the late Richard and Ella (Race) Warmkessel.

He graduated from Emmaus High School in 1955, where he served as class president and played varsity baseball and football.

He continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree at DeSales University and an MBA at Lehigh University.

From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army assigned to the United Nations Command, Military Armistice Commission, in Panmunjom, Korea.

After returning to the Lehigh Valley, he worked in financial roles for Union Bank and Trust and East Penn Foundry before joining Mack Trucks, where he held various professional roles in Mack’s finance division from 1969 until his retirement in 2000.

He enjoyed being involved in the Macungie community, including coaching Macungie Youth baseball teams, volunteering at Das Awkscht Fescht and serving on the Solomon’s UCC church council and the Macungie Borough Council.

He was an avid gardener, lifelong Penn State fan, baseball enthusiast and a very proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Most recently he was a member of Bethany Church of Wescosville.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Robert, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., James D. (Bonnie), of Malvern; daughter, Gretchen Carraher Kohler (Ben), of Zionsville; grandchildren, Erin (Mike) Piazza, Brian (Charity) Carraher, Molly Carraher, Kyle Carraher, Jimmy, Jack; great-grandchildren, Summer and Aria Piazza, Scott, Warren and Diana Carraher; sisters, Sarah Brugger, of Bethlehem, Miriam Mazza, of Easton.

He is predeceased by his parents; brother, Richard Jr.; sister, Elizabeth Pantzer; grandson, Drew Carraher; son-in-law, Scott Carraher.

Services will be held Jan. 24 at Bethany Church, 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville. Immediate family will receive attendees 10:30-11 a.m.; services will begin promptly 11:15 a.m. A private burial will follow. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus, is handling arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Bethany Church of Wescosville, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.