James V. “Jim” Gearhart, aged 80, passed away on December 27, 2025, at his home in Fellowship Community, Whitehall. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and community member. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol (Mann) Gearhart, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage.
Born on May 15, 1945, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Jim was the son of the late Vernon and Elinor (Heck) Gearhart. He distinguished himself early on as the Valedictorian of his graduating class at John Harris High School in Harrisburg. He later pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Haverford College.
Jim dedicated 30 years of his career to Kutztown University, where he served as Chief Budget Officer. His professional contributions left a lasting impact on the institution. Beyond his professional life, Jim had a wide range of interests, including reading, travel, and sports. He cherished family vacations at Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and had a passion for photography.
As an active member of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church in Allentown, Jim’s involvement in his faith community was significant. He is survived by two daughters, Diana J. Blackford and her husband, Ty, from Sidney, Ohio, and Amy E. Wesner and her husband, Eric, from Bethel. Jim also leaves behind five grandchildren: Simon, Anderson, and Eva Blackford, along with Jamie and Paul Wesner. He was predeceased by his brother, John Gearhart.
Memorial Service Details
A service to honor and celebrate Jim’s life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on January 3, 2026, at the Zentz Community Center, located at 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, on the Fellowship Community Campus. The Rev. Carl Fischer, Jr. will officiate the ceremony. The family will welcome relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.
Following the service, a private interment will take place at Laureldale Cemetery in Reading, Pennsylvania. The arrangements have been entrusted to Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C. Online expressions of sympathy can be recorded at their website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Benevolent Fund at Fellowship Community, c/o Lisa Hazler, located at 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052.
Jim Gearhart’s legacy will be remembered fondly by family, friends, and the community he served. His life was marked by dedication to family, career, and faith, leaving a profound imprint on all who knew him.
