Michael “Sticks” James, 70, of Hanover, PA, entered his Savior's eternal care on Monday, November 22, 2021, at UPMC Community Osteopathic in Harrisburg, PA, with his loving wife Stacie by his side.
Born May 4, 1951, in New York City, NY, he was the son of the late Raymond W. Sr. and Rose (Butz) James. Mike was the loving husband of Stacie L. James with whom he shared 22 years of marriage.
Mike was a veteran, proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle Club, where he served as Chaplain, and an Auxiliary Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was a member of Genesis Church of York, PA.
Mike was a carpenter and project manager. He was a master craftsman when it came to woodworking, especially trim carpentry. He proudly worked for AAPCO Southeast, Inc. based in North Carolina, as a project manager until his retirement in late 2017.
Mike was a “jack of all trades” and would help anyone in need. He used his amazing gifts for everyone he met who needed his help. He took great pride in his work and was incredibly talented with all things related to construction and remodeling. Even at age 70, Mike was always excited to take on the next project, and he never tired of coming up with new ideas. Before his passing, Mike was diligently designing a Veterans Memorial Garden. Even his last words were of concern for this project, as he truly loved his country and had a passion for honoring and helping our veterans.
In his free time, Mike enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, shooting pool, hunting, and dancing. He also enjoyed sharing his love for Jesus with others. Though he enjoyed doing many things, his relationship with God was the most important aspect of his life. His greatest desire would be that all would come to know his loving Savior.
In addition to his loving wife, Stacie, Mike is survived by his children, Christopher M. James and wife Kari of Gilbert, Arizona and Lori M. Blackwell and husband Ray of Greensboro, NC, and grandchildren, Ella Miller and Victoria Blackwell. Mike is also survived by his siblings, Raymond W. James, Jr. and wife Claudia, Stanley James and wife Cynthia, Denise Knieriem and husband Robert, and Sonya Ashcom. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his sister Jeannine Ashcom and her husband John, his niece Carol Ashcom, and his brother-in-law Gary “Spud” Ashcom.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 3, 2021 beginning at 6 pm at West Manheim VFW Post #7374, 4800 W Market St, York, PA 17408. Also, a future celebration to remember Mike’s life will be held in the Spring of 2022 at his favorite mountain retreat.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to LZ Independence, MEMO: Memorial Fund; 1502 Holly Pike #6; Carlisle, PA 17015.
The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Michael James, please visit our floral store.