Robert E. “Bob” “Pop” James, 91, of Palmer Twp. died Friday, June 29, 2012 in Easton Hospital.
Born: November 20, 1920 in Weaversville, PA he was a son of the late Walter and Alverta Rockall James. He and his wife the former Eleanor MoDavis have been married for 67 years.
Personal: He had been a mail handler at the Lehigh Valley Post Office for 23 years before retiring in 1990. Prior to that he was employed by the Mohican Bakery for 23 years. He was a 1940 graduate of Easton High School and WWII Navy veteran.
Memberships: He was a very active member of First Moravian Church, Easton for more than 75 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Brown & Lynch Post and MORA Club of Bethlehem.
Survivors: His wife Eleanor; daughter: Roberta “Bobbi” James of Avenel, NJ; sister: Dolly Rapp of Easton; 2 grandchildren: John and Stacey McCree and 4 great-grandchildren: Max, Savannah, Gavin and Veronica.. He was predeceased by a daughter: Nancy Lee Beckman in 2011 and 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Services: 2:30 p.m. Thursday (7/5) in First Moravian Church, 225 N. 10th St., Easton; with visitation from 1:30 to 2:30 in the church; the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.
Memorial Contributions: May be made to First Moravian Church, 225 North 10th St., Easton, PA 18042.
Marita Garrick (neighbor at 2702 Northampton Street)
July 5, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Dear Mrs. James and family,
My sincerest apologies to you and your family for not being able to attend Bob’s service today. Unfortunately, my family is in the midst of a current medical crisis and I am on standby to travel. My heart was immediately broken when I heard of Bob’s passing and I felt similar responses from those I had to share this information with. I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family and pray that God speed Bob to His side.
I want to share with your family two beautiful poems that were sent to me upon the passing of my parents. At this time, it is very difficult for me to express how much my knowing Bob has touched my life so through the sharing of these words, I hope you and your family will find comfort in them as I did. But first…I would like to share with you my own personal message to Bob.
“Dear Bob…”
From the instant I met you, I felt that I had come face to face with “an angel”. I firmly believe that the good Lord places us when and where we need to be while conducting His work. Oftentimes, we unassumingly become angels at His will and may not be privy to how we may be impacting another’s life. You’ve certainly left a wonderful and indelible impression upon me. While it hurts to know I must wait until the next life to see you in your rightly robe and wings, I am trusting in the Lord that you are right where He needs you to be and I’ve always believed and trusted in His plan. Until then, I will pray for God to lend strength to your family and I will remain forever grateful for His gift of having the pleasure of meeting you when I really needed a glimpse of Heaven to keep me going. Enjoy the Heavenly home that our Lord has prepared for His children…and please,…say “Hello” to my mother and father. I know you are the type of soul that would do that for me.
Bye for now,
Marita
(2702 Northampton Street)
___________________________________________________________________
“TO MY DEAREST FAMILY”,
Some things I’d like to say
but first to let you know
that I arrived okay
I’m writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
where there’s no more tears or sadness there
it’s just eternal love
Please do not be unhappy
just because I’m out of sight
remember that I’m with you
every morning, noon and night
That day I had to leave you
when my life on Earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said I welcome you
It’s good to have you back, again
you were missed while you were gone
as for your dearest family
they’ll be here later on
I need you here so badly
as part of My big plan
there’s so much that we have to do
to help our mortal man
Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do
and foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you
And I will be beside you
every day and week and year
and when you’re sad, I’m standing there
to wipe away the tear
And when you lie in bed at night
the days chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night
When you think of my life on Earth
and all those loving years
because you’re only human
they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain
remember there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain
I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned
but if I were to tell you
you wouldn’t understand
But one thing is for certain
though my life on Earth is o’er
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before
And to my very many friends
trust God knows what is best
I’m still not far away from you
I’m just beyond the crest
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb
but together we can do it
taking one day at a time
It was always my philosophy
and I’d like it for you, too
that as you give unto the World
so the World will give to you
If you can help somebody
who is in sorrow or in pain
then you can say to God at night
my day was not in vain
And now I am contented
that my life it was worthwhile
knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile
So if you meet somebody
who is down and feeling low
just lend a hand to pick him up
as on your way you go
When you are walking down the street
and you’ve got me on your mind
I’m walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind
And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face
that’s me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace
And when it’s time for you to go
from that body to be free
remember you’re not going
you are coming here to me
And I will always love you
from that land way up above
We’ll be in touch again, soon
P.S. God sends His Love
___________________________________________________________________
“THE DASH”
I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what matters most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth,
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters most is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard,
are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much is left
you could be at dash mid-range.
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real,
And always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be pleased with the things they say
about how you spent your dash?