James E. Lippincott

James E. Lippincott, 94, passed away on his birthday in his West Lawn residence Sunday, October 31, 2021. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Spangler) Lippincott. James was predeceased by his brother Joseph Lippincott. He was the loving husband of the late Nancy J. (Achenbach) Lippincott. Nancy passed away Oct 21, 2002 after celebrating their 51st anniversary.

James had many names throughout his life, those from his family were his most treasured. He was Dad to his three daughters: Jamie Wenrich, wife of Fritz, Spring Twp.; Heidi McElroy, wife of Larry, Boyertown; and Heather Foust, wife of Stephen, with whom he resided, Poppop to his grandchildren: Nelly Eisenhower, Keely Mast, Joshua Mc Elroy, Kellen Mc Elroy, and Isaac Wenrich; and great grandchildren: Jacob, Samuel, Maddie, Xylie, Gracey, Maeve, Kye, and Keagen, and brother to Mary Louise Calpino, wife of William.

James was a 1946 graduate of Wilson High School. As a member of the first Wilson football team, he threw the first touchdown pass in Wilson football history. Until the 1980's he held the Wilson record for longest punt at 72 yards. He loved Wilson Bulldogs Football and volunteered into his 90's as a member of the "Chain Gang." When he could no longer stand for the entire game, you could catch him sitting on the sidelines in his vintage red Bulldogs jacket. A true sports legend, he earned his varsity letter in football, basketball, baseball, track, and soccer. During his final two years of high school, he scored 477 points and helped his basketball team to a 39-9 record. He was the 1945 PIAA High Jump Champion and the 1946 Berks County Discus Champion.

James was awarded the Red Cross Award for saving a man from drowning in the Tulpehocken Creek. He attended Lock Haven College before becoming a proud member of the U.S. Marines Corps. In 1955, he was offered a tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Wilson Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 as well as the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

James was an executive salesman, retiring with Waste Management. He was an illustrator and wood carver. James had a very appropriate nickname… "Big Jim." Not only was he big in stature, standing 6' 5" at his prime, but he had a big personality and a bigger heart. He was a larger-than-life character with a giant smile and great sense of humor. He was always happy to see anyone and knew how to make them feel special. He lived his life full of love and will be fondly remembered by everyone he knew.

A celebration of James's life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, or at alz.org.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.