- Date Of Birth: October 6, 1939
- Date Of Death: September 27, 2021
- State: Pennsylvania
James A. Deiter, 81, passed peacefully from this life in his home, in the embrace of his beloved family and, as always, on his own terms. Born in Bethlehem, PA, Jim was the second son of the late Samuel and Jane Deiter. The family later resided in nearby Fountain Hill where Jim experienced his teen years during the 1950s, an era which gave birth to new American cultural rhythms, including rock-n-roll. Jim never lost his love of great R&B music and within the first few beats of any doo wop favorite he gracefully dominated any dance floor. With his signature smile and genuine caring for others, he won countless friends and held loyalty and trust as the truest of treasures in all aspects of his life. At age 19, he left home to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and through the decades after returning to his hometown, Jim carried the values of Semper Fi in his heart and strong sense of character, never backing away from disparaging words about America’s flag and armed forces. He was an avid golfer in high demand as a partner for his uncanny ability to keep his drives straight and his jokes slightly off center. Jim cherished his times at “the cabin”, a wooded domain overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack that he built and enjoyed immensely with four generations of the Deiter Family and his “Mountain” neighbors and friends who he loved dearly. Jim was president of Deiter Bros. Heating Cooling Energy, a family fuel and HVAC provider in continuous service to Lehigh Valley commercial and residential customers for more than 93 years. He was elected to multiple terms as president of the Better Home Heat Council of the Lehigh Valley and the recipient of numerous awards for community service. But throughout this life of achievement, the absolute highest of honors that Jim Deiter cherished was his love for his family and his pup Katie, and he lived that love in all the actions, thoughts, smiles, tears, wishes and warmth of his incredible life.
Survivors: He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Jackie; son James G. Deiter and fiancée Piper Skoutelas, grandchildren Jennifer L. (Deiter) Wisniewski and husband Jarrod, James M. Deiter and Fiancée Brittany Rae, Sean Velekei and wife Molly, great grandchildren Paige Marks, Jordyn Wisniewski and Jaxon Deiter, and many nieces and nephews. His passing was preceded by that of his daughter, Lora Deiter, his brother William Deiter, and sisters Marlene “Pat” Carballo and Martha Lopez.
