James Bostic

James "Jim" Bostic, age 87, departed this life on March 21, 2024 at Rittenhouse Village. Born on May 13, 1936 in Lebanon, PA, Jim was the son of the late Theresa and Kenneth Bostic. He was the devoted husband of Barbara (Drayer) Bostic, with whom he celebrated 38 years of marriage. He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia (Bostic) Lauck. He is survived by a brother, John Bostic, of Kalveliu, Lithuania; nieces: Jennifer (Lauck) Kline, Susan (Lauck) Deibler; and a nephew, Christopher Lauck. Also surviving are step-sons, Peter, Bradley, and John Flickinger, of Berks County.

During his formative years, Jim was a student at St. Gertrude's Parochial School, an altar server at St. Gertrude's Church, and a Boy Scout in Troop #33. He was a graduate of Lebanon Catholic High School, class of 1954. He was also a member of the Lebanon YMCA junior and senior men's swim team in grade school and during his freshman and sophmore years of high school.

Following high school, Jim was a 4 year US Navy YN2 veteran of the Korean Conflict and a graduate of Mt. Saint Mary's College, Emmitsburg, MD, class of 1962, graduating with a BS in English. He also acquired graduate credits from Millersville University in Lancaster, PA. He taught Language Arts and directed class plays at Ephrata Area High School for 26 years, worked in landscaping, was an administrative assistant and ombudsman for the Berks County Office of Aging for 12 years and taught ESL for 10 years, retiring at age 78. In addition, Jim was active in St. Ignatius Parish ministries and served as a CCD instructor and as a lector for Masses for several years. Jim was a member of Lebanon Community Theater from 1963-1967. He acted in an directed plays, particularly plays for children performed at various grade schools in the community.

During his busy life, Jim remained active in swimming, running, bicycling, and weight training. He was an avid reader, loved all sorts or musical genres, enjoyed pet dogs, and encouraged people to smile at his deadpan humor, improvised observations, and self-deprecating jokes about life in all its comical and peculiar aspects.

A prayer service will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11:30AM at Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. Friends and family will be received from 11-11:30AM. Burial will follow at Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School, Attention: Advancement Director 2700 St. Albans Drive West Lawn, PA 19609.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be written at www.KuhnFuneralHomes.com.

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