James P. Case

James P. Case, Sr., 89, of Easton, PA died Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke's in Bethlehem. Born October 11, 1923 in Bethlehem he was the son of the late Walter A. and Mary E. (Ward) Case. He was the husband of Georgine M. (Geary) Case with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage this year.

James was an assistant division manager in the Accounting Department in the Billing Division of the Bethlehem Steel Corp, retiring in 1982 after 34 years of service.

He was a graduate of Liberty High School where he participated in football, basketball and baseball. He was a member of the 1940 undefeated football team and the Big Fifteen State Champion Football Teams in 1940 and 1942. James was a Pennsylvania All State Halfback selection in 1942.

He was an U.S. Army Veteran of World War II serving with the 17th Airborne Division in Europe. James was a qualified paratrooper and a glidetrooper. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes), Central Europe and the Rhineland. He was a sergeant in charge of the first Glider, from his outfit, to cross The Rhine River in Germany, near Wesel, during Operation Varsity on March 24, 1945. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, three Battle Campaign Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead and Bronze Star Medal.

James was a 1949 Graduate of Lehigh University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. While at Lehigh, he played halfback and quarterback from 1946 to 1948 and was a member of Phi Sigma Fraternity.

He was formerly on the Board of Governors of the Bethlehem District Catholic You Organization (CYO). He coached CYO football, basketball and softball for many years. He served as the First CYO President of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. James also coached American legion Baseball, coached at Notre Dame High School, Green Pond 1960-1964 serving as defensive and offensive coordinator and punting coach. He coached during Notre Dame's first undefeated football team in 1963 and is a member of Notre Dame High School's Hall of Fame.

James was a life emember of the North End Wanderer's Athletic Association and a member of the Retired Employees Benefits Coalition (REBCO) for former Bethlehem Steel employees. He was also a member of the Lehigh South Side Boosters Association and the Easton YMCA. James was a Charter Member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bethlehem Township.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, James P. Case, Jr. and wife, Kathleen, of Easton, five grandchildren, Colleen wife of Keith Miller, James P Case, III and wife, Amy, Allison wife of Patrick Hockenberry, Stephanie wife of Michael Sponchiado and Bethann wife of James Gonzalez and great grandchildren, Justin, Jake, Nathan, Liam, Aiden, Maura, Seth, Teresa and Lucas James.

James was preceded in death by his brother, Richard F. Case and sister, Marguerite.

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 21, 2013 at Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 from 6-8 PM. A calling hour will be on Saturday at the funeral home from 9-10 AM followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Our lady Of Perpetual Help 3219 Santee Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 at 11:00 AM. Burial with Military Honors will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery in Bethlehem.

Memorial Contributions may be made in James' name to the church or to Hospice of the VNA of St. Luke's 801 Osturm St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Friday, June 21, 2013
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Saturday, June 22, 2013
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, June 22, 2013
11:00 AM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
3219 Santee Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531