James E. Burkholder, age 87, husband of Patricia K. (McGregor) Burkholder of Oaks, PA, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in the Manatawny Manor. Born on December 16, 1935, in Altoona, PA, he was the son of the late Elvin W. and Leah A. (Haines) Burkholder.

Jim Burkholder never met a stranger! His beaming smile emanated from his bright blue eyes and never failed to coax a smile in return! Jim was kind, fun-loving, and always helpful. He worked as a scheduling manager for Container Corporation until his retirement and was a proud graduate of Ursinus College. Amateur sports were his passion: baseball, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, golf, and bowling. He coached little league even before he had children eligible to play, claimed to get better value out of a game of golf (more strokes per dollar), and reveled in his crowning achievement: bowling a 300, his perfect game!

Annual family vacations were typically shared with the family of Jim's lifelong friend, Rodger Fritz. Camping trips were the norm in the early years...until that beach vacation accompanied by a constant downpour -- digging a trench around the tent in the sand was impossible. Upgrading to rental cabins and homes was appreciated by all! The vacations were extended to international destinations on nearly every continent, including a mission trip to Tanzania and a bungy jump (at age 70) from the Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand.

Despite the ravages of dementia that slowly took their toll on Jim, he continued to enjoy watching professional sports and snoozing with his cats, Tabitha and Magic. Jim passed with his wife by his side, just three days shy of their 68th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Burkholder is survived by two children, Barbara Burkholder and Kevin, husband of the late Jacqueline Burkholder; one granddaughter, Katherine Burkholder; and a loving extended family. He was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Wesner.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church, 126 Black Rock Road, Oaks, PA 19456, on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Rev. Jeremiah Mustered. Burial will follow in the Church cemetery. Friends will be received from 10:00 am - 10:45 am in the Church on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 126 Black Rock Road, P.O. Box 404, Oaks, PA 19456. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.