James H. Lessie

James H. Lessie, 70, of Reading, died December 2, 2008 in St. Joseph's Hospital Emergency Room.

He was the husband of Diane L. (Bowman).

Born in Reading on December 12, 1937, he was the son of the late Charles and Agnes (Brickel) Lessie.

James was a 1955 graduate of Reading High School.

James was employed as a welder, a car repairman and a car inspector for the Reading Company and later Conrail for 40 years, retiring in 1997.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Reading.

James is survived by a son, Michael J., husband of Debra L. Lessie, Douglassville; and a daughter, Marcia L., wife of Jeffrey M. Zillhardt, Newmanstown.

He is survived by a sister, Janice, wife of John Pezdirc, Reading. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Charles; and one sister, Dolores.

Six grandchildren: Alexander, Kathryn and Zachary Lessie; and Matthew, Brian and Melissa Zillhardt also survive him.

Services will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611. A viewing will begin one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.